New Delhi: Former cricketer and politician Navjot Singh Sidhu recently claimed that a strict dietary regimen helped his wife, Navjot Kaur Sidhu, overcome stage 4 breast cancer. However, medical professionals, including experts from Tata Memorial Hospital, have dismissed these claims as unscientific and potentially harmful.
At a press conference in Amritsar, Sidhu shared his wife’s recovery journey, attributing her survival to a diet that included lemon water, raw turmeric, neem leaves, apple cider vinegar, and juices made from vegetables like carrot, beetroot, and pumpkin. He also claimed she avoided sugar and carbohydrates, describing this approach as “starving the cancer.” Sidhu further emphasized the importance of consuming water with a pH level of 7, which he called a critical element of her recovery.
Oncologists Raise Concerns Over “Unproven Remedies”
In response, a group of 262 oncologists from Tata Memorial Hospital issued a public statement warning against following such unproven remedies. Dr. CS Pramesh, the hospital’s director, described Sidhu’s claims as “unscientific and baseless.” Sharing the statement on social media, Dr. Pramesh wrote, “These recommendations have no high-quality evidence to support them. She became cancer-free due to evidence-based treatments like surgery and chemotherapy, not turmeric or neem.”
The oncologists’ letter stressed that while research into certain natural remedies is ongoing, there is no clinical data to support their use as anti-cancer agents. They urged cancer patients to consult qualified specialists and rely on proven treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The statement added, “Cancer is curable if detected early, but delaying treatment for unverified methods can have dire consequences.”
The Role of Evidence-Based Treatment
Medical experts highlighted the importance of evidence-based approaches in cancer care. Dr. Cyric Abbey Philips, a liver specialist, stated, “There is no scientific proof that specific diets or herbs can cure cancer. Treatment success comes from a combination of medical expertise and established protocols.”
According to the oncologists, the term “clinically cancer-free” means that no detectable signs of cancer are found following medical evaluations. Navjot Kaur Sidhu underwent surgery and chemotherapy, which are standard treatments for cancer. These methods, supported by extensive research, remain the most effective for combating the disease.
Public Reaction and Mixed Responses
Sidhu’s video gained significant attention on social media, with some viewers praising his efforts to share his wife’s experience, while others, particularly healthcare professionals, cautioned against spreading misinformation. Many experts emphasized that promoting unverified claims could give false hope to patients and delay their access to essential care.
Experts reiterated that early detection is critical in improving cancer survival rates. They encouraged individuals to seek advice from certified oncologists and avoid self-medication or reliance on unproven remedies. Dr. Pramesh concluded by saying, “We all have a responsibility to combat misinformation and ensure patients make informed decisions about their treatment.”
While complementary approaches like dietary changes and Ayurveda may offer additional support, they should only be used alongside—and not as replacements for—conventional medical treatments.
