Navigating the Cancer Maze | i am the answer to cancer |Cancer Immunotherapy Month. Where is the answer to cancer? According to Jill O’Donnell-Tormey, Ph.D and the organization she represents,Cancer Research Institute (CRI); the answer is ‘i am the answer to cancer’; yes-the patients immune system holds the answer to cancer!
Navigating the Cancer Maze | i am the answer to cancer |Cancer Immunotherapy Month
June 6, 2014
Did you know that June is Cancer Immunotherapy Month? Tune in to Navigating the Cancer Maze for inspiring listening and learn about the good news – the Answer to Cancer
Dr. Jill O’Donnell-Tormey PhD CEO Cancer Research Institute NY
Where is the answer to cancer? According to my guest Jill O’Donnell-Tormey, Ph.D and the organization she represents,Cancer Research Institute (CRI); the answer is ‘i am the answer to cancer’; yes-the patients immune system holds the answer to cancer! Select link below to listen to audio
The CRI is a non-profit organization founded in 1953 & today’s global leader in supporting & coordinating research aimed at harnessing the immune system’s power to conquer all cancers. Jill will explain immunotherapy & its value to cancer patients as well as the different types of cancer immunotherapy available. There will be patient stories & an exploration of the very latest in immunotherapy. A New Cancer Immunotherapy Website for Patients and Caregivers was launched recently. Get on board with supporters like Olivia Newton John who recently lent public support to CRI. http://www.cancerresearch.orghttp://www.TheAnswerToCancer.org
Listen to Navigating the Cancer Maze 12 Noon Fridays – live from Arizona (PST) – Saturday Australia 5am free to air or download and listen later – available free download on itunes.
Meditation can open a can of worms in our psychology. This is a surprise to many people. I have often asked my self the same question that is explored in the first paragraph of this blog. For people who are dealing with illness, such as cancer; care must be taken whilst developing a practice that will assist and not detract from their recovery. Many people around the Globe are turning toward Buddhist practices of meditation. This excellent blog brings to light something that is little discussed in meditation circles – the dangers and issues that can be associated with meditation.
Meditation can open a can of worms in our psychology. This is a surprise to many people. I have often asked my self the same question that is explored in the first paragraph of this blog (see below).
For people who are dealing with illness, such as cancer; care must be taken whilst developing a practice that will assist and not detract from their recovery.
Many people around the Globe are turning toward Buddhist practices of meditation.
This excellent blog brings to light something that is little discussed in meditation circles – the dangers and issues that can be associated with meditation. I also suggest that you read http://youreternalself.com/meditation.htm
This week on Navigating the Cancer Maze, due to popular demand, I have provided an encore of my interview from March this year with David Tuccaro Jr. whose inspiring story “Bad to the Bone” has touched many thousands of people worldwide. is story has been chronicled in his recent memoir, Bad to the Bone: The True Story of David Tuccaro Jr. The book is written by award-winning author Marala Scott through a series of interviews with David. Marala Scott is Oprah’s Ambassador of Hope.
This week on Navigating the Cancer Maze, due to popular demand, I have provided an encore of my interview from March this year with David Tuccaro Jr. whose inspiring story “Bad to the Bone” has touched many thousands of people worldwide. If you missed the interview and or if you know someone who is going through the experience of leukemia – please direct them to listen to streaming audio on Voice America or download for free from iTunes.
David Tuccaro Jr. is a Mikisew Cree First Nation man who overcame his fight with Leukemia. His story has been chronicled in his recent memoir, Bad to the Bone: The True Story of David Tuccaro Jr. The book is written by award-winning author Marala Scott through a series of interviews with David. Marala Scott is Oprah’s Ambassador of Hope. David was born and raised in Ft. McMurray, Canada. His story tells of a tumultuous journey of self-discovery through pain, hopelessness and the feeling of inadequacy, to go on to inspire others to overcome adversity. After finding his life purpose through his illness, he is living out his passion of teaching others to save lives by registering to become a bone marrow donor. David spends his free time with his family and enjoying music. He is a very inpirational young man. For more information about David Tuccaro Jr. visit: www.davidtuccaro.com You can buy his book via his website or on amazon eBOOK or hard copy: http://www.amazon.com.au/Bad-To-The-Bone-Tuccaro-ebook/dp/B00GEA558W
View our You Tube promotion about David Tuccaro Jr. below
ABOUT Grace Gawler and Navigating the Cancer Maze: 2014 marks Grace Gawler 40 years assisting cancer patients to Navigate the Cancer Maze as effectively as possible. Navigating the cancer maze fulfill Grace’s vision to provide a sponsored show through her Charity so that cancer patients can hear expert Professionals and hear authentic cancer survival stories. The show aims to share time-proven strategies in a “Let’s talk about it” atmosphere with the aim of making the journey through cancer more easeful through knowledge. The program is solutions focused for patients at all stages of cancer and provides tools for pre-planning for any setbacks that are likely to be met along the way. It is important to acknowledge the reality of a cancer diagnosis, while being authentic about process and keeping possibilities open. The best outcomes are experienced when the best of conventional medicine is paired with the best of complementary supported by an empowered patient. Navigating the Cancer Maze airs live every Friday at 12 Noon Pacific Time on the VoiceAmerica Health and Wellness Channel. www.gracegawlerinstitute.com
Grace Gawler Interviews Dr Bruce Whelan a specialist GP who has been in Practice for 45 years. A previous guest on the show, episode titled ‘Spinning Gold from Straw: How trauma transformed a Doctor’s Life and Practice’; today I will be asking him about his role as a GP. ersonal involvement with the Bali bombings in 2002 made an impact of his life & practice leading to his interest in psychiatry. His special areas of interest are general psychiatry, drug addiction medicine, pain management & issues related to cancer medicine.
Navigating the Cancer Maze – with Grace Gawler:
How to Navigate the Cancer Maze with the Help of your General Practitioner—Cancer Practice & Emotional Support
Listen to the Show-Free to download for listening later or listen online:
Dr Bruce Whelan is a specialist GP who has been in Practice for 45 years. A previous guest on the show, episode titled ‘Spinning Gold from Straw: How trauma transformed a Doctor’s Life and Practice’; today I will be asking him about his role as a GP. The role of the GP is ever-changing; once the family doctor who made house calls and knew the names of all of a patient’s family members, the role of the GP has morphed into rapid delivery medicine with time constraints. However, there is a new and emerging role for GP’s in cancer and supportive Care medicine. The need is great for patients and families and a new model of care is timely. A graduate of the University of Queensland School of Medicine-1967, Dr Bruce Whelan has been in general practice since 1971.
He also specializes in pain management, so I will be specifically asking him about pain management in cancer medicine.
BIO DR Bruce Whelan – Specialist GP
Dr Bruce Whelan has been in general practice since 1971. He has worked in challenging rural Australia practice environments including indigenous health.
With 45 years experience, his ethic is treating the whole person using the best of modern psychology & general psychiatry in combination with the best of modern medicine. Personal involvement with the Bali bombings in 2002 made an impact of his life & practice leading to his interest in psychiatry. His special areas of interest are general psychiatry, drug addiction medicine, pain management & issues related to cancer medicine.
He has been involved with teaching medical students at Bond & Griffith Medical Schools Gold Coast Australia. He has a deeply inquiring mind, sharp differential diagnosis skills, & his experience as a GP who understands his patients’ grief and trauma is invaluable. He lives on a yacht, loves fishing, oil painting, classical music & life!
In the Australian Media this week, Medical Reporter Julia Medew writes: A 55-year-old man recently presented to a Brisbane hospital with a black hole in his temple after applying an unproven alternative medicine known as “black salve” to a lesion on his face, which he believed was cancerous. I discussed this media piece and so called remedy in my last segment of Navigating the Cancer Maze on Voice America today.
Holistic or Hole-istic? – Naturopathic Medicine was Never Meant to do This!
In the Australian Media this week, Medical Reporter Julia Medew writes: A 55-year-old man recently presented to a Brisbane hospital with a black hole in his temple after applying an unproven alternative medicine known as “black salve” to a lesion on his face, which he believed was cancerous. I discussed this media piece and so called remedy in my last segment of Navigating the Cancer Maze on Voice America today.
Results of Using Black Salve
Writing in the Medical Journal of Australia, doctors from the Princess Alexandra Hospital said the man had been applying the unlicensed product, which is sold online as an alternative skin cancer treatment, to his face for four months.
The doctors, Natalie Ong, Eric Sham and Brandon Adams, said black salve preparations often contained an alkaloid derived from bloodroot and zinc chloride which could both eat away at tissue, leading to significant scarring and disfigurement. “In the absence of a biopsy, some patients may commence alternative treatment before attaining a diagnosis of skin cancer, and a very real risk of recurrence and metastasis (cancer spreading) remains….
Having worked with cancer patients for most of my naturopathic life; I am well aware of the nature of cancer and the inherent dangers in applying Black Salve to human or animal tissues. Far too many times I have seen first hand the destruction caused by this so called natural remedy.
( Folks there is nothing natural about zinc chloride which is often compounded with Bloodroot to create the paste – that is recommended to be applied to many different types of skin lesions). Zinc Chloride is an escharotic and tissue fixative; not to messed with! It is claimed by proponents that “the cancer salve made from zinc Chloride and Bloodroot is safe and effective, and has never harmed anyone, in thousands of years of use”.
The photograph above is just one small example of the damage I have seen from applying this paste. Cancer patients have used it on breast tumors, all kinds of skin tumors malignant and benign. One client used it on her genital area for an SCC ( squamous cell carcinoma)! The erosion and pain was horrendous. My own patient records with photographs of tissue damage are vile viewing. Many melanoma patients are delaying treatment due to this remedy and their belief in it to “cure cancer”. Professor Dr Alexander Herzog, Germany keeps a photo album of the black salve disasters he has to try to repair when it all goes belly-up for patients. Gaping holes in breast tissue, some large enough to insert a fist are displayed page after page…and then there is the mother who applied the Black Salve paste to a melanoma located on her son’s skull. She used the paste for 6 months – you could see his brain through the hole! Professor Herzog says he cant understand why cancer patients are using this paste.
The whole history of Moh’s chemo-surgery – margin controlled microscopic surgery using zinc Chloride – an interesting read.
What is about this preparation that gives it allure? Is it the mystique of purported native American history? Is it the supposed safety level that is claimed? Is it because a former Hollywood movie star has promoted it? Is it because we hate science and love cottage medicines?
Scab created by black salve
The allure has even defied logic as many of Naturopathic friends, not only cancer patients believed in the salve to the extent that the paste “got it all” only to die from their metastatic melanoma and squamous cell carcinomas. Why is it that even bringing science and logic to this preparation will generate hate mail?
Personally I am tired of attending Black Salve funerals. I am glad it is banned in Australia however you can find it all around the internet still and even in the back end under the counter of some health food stores! My best advice – DON’T GO THERE! First and foremost – Find out what you are dealing with before embarking upon any treatment and please realize that this can be a sinister remedy with associated complications that make chemotherapy side effects look like a walk in the park!
In 2012, the Therapeutic Goods Administration warned people to avoid black salve, which is also known as red salve, Cansema, or Bloodroot.
More coming soon about discussions from today’s Navigating the Cancer Maze on Voice America- please visit again……
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Navigating the Cancer Maze, Grace Gawler interviews David Tuccaro Jr about his Survival story and book ‘Bad to the Bone | The True Story of David Tuccaro Jr’. The book is authored by Award-winning Author and Oprah’s Ambassador of Hope, Marala Scott. The story is about David’s recovery from ALL, a childhood leukemia. The book is aptly named; leukemia being an illness that begins in bone marrow. As an adult with a leukemia that is predominantly seen in children; at 25 years of age, David’s prognosis was very poor.
If you want to be inspired by a well written, poignant survival story about recovery from Leukemia…
Then this is the book to buy!
In fact…….. if you only buy 1 book this year – then this is the one! David Tuccaro Jr’s story is powerful and well told. ‘Bad to the Bone-’The True Story of David Tuccaro Jr is a book about his recovery from ALL – a childhood leukemia is aptly named; leukemia being an illness that begins in bone marrow. As an adult with a leukemia that is predominantly seen in children; at 25 years of age, David’s prognosis was very poor.
On today’s Navigating the Cancer Maze, I had the pleasure of interviewing David about his memoirs and about Award-winning Author, Oprah’s Ambassador of Hope, Marala Scott, who transcribed his story of Leukemia diagnosis through to his remission. This episode is full of inspiring tips and tools for anyone who is navigating their own cancer maze. You can also download the show or listen on audio streaming at:
At just 25 years old, approximately seven years ago, David Tuccaro Jr, a Mikisew Cree First Nation man from Fort McMurray Canada, was diagnosed with leukemia. He was facing a death sentence. His story is poignant, raw in its honesty and an inspiration to those who are navigating the leukemia maze.
Navigating the Cancer Maze serves as a reliable source of information for cancer patients and families. Every guest on the show has a well researched and authentic story to offer to the community. Such is David Tuccaro Jr’s story; a tumultuous journey of self-discovery through pain, hopelessness and the feeling of inadequacy to inspire others to overcome adversity.
After finding his purpose, he is living out his passion of teaching others to save lives by registering to become a bone marrow donor.
David says:“When I was going through what I’d gone through with the leukemia, I had my doctors telling me one thing, what to expect, and my family and friends telling me what to expect, but I didn’t have a survivor telling me what to expect; that’s what the book is really about, to answer some of these questions. There needs to be somebody that has gone through this to give you the hope that you really need to get through it.”
David Tuccaro Jr is a powerful advocate bringing awareness to the life-saving impact that a bone marrow donor unselfishly provides. David is alive after years of hospital procedures thanks to his spirit, medical science, support and the altruism of one man who donated his bone marrow. Four years after the lifesaving transplant David met his bone marrow donor, Christian Holtmann from Germany. He says: “I’ll never forget the first meeting I had with Christian; it was the greatest moment of my life.” David Tuccaro Jr hopes his and Christian’s story will inspire others to donate bone marrow. “That is what saved my life”, David said.
To buy the Book or you are interested in becoming a Bone Marrow Donor – please visit: www.DavidTuccaro.com
The book is available in Hard Cover or eBook – Kindle Kobo etc.BUY ON AMAZON
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marala Scott is an Award-winning Author and Oprah’s Ambassador of Hope, (In Our House: Perception vs. Reality and Surrounded By Inspiration). Marala Scott takes you inside the horrific battle of a young man with Leukemia and shares the unique perspective of his bone marrow donor. The Story of David Tuccaro Jr. will give you strength and inspiration never before felt! For more information on Marala Scott visit www.maralascott.com.
“What he describes is that journey we are all seeking; it is that transformation to a better life.”
–Dr. Gary Ruelas D.O., Ph.D.
“This should be a television show done by a conscientious film maker— This story is nothing less than an epic.”
–Peter C. Newman, Legendary Journalist and Author
Last week on Navigating the Cancer Maze on Voice America Health and Wellness Channel, I mentioned a immune treatment that is being acclaimed as a value add therapy for many cancer patients – in particular, those dealing with ovarian Cancer…
Last week on Navigating the Cancer Maze on Voice America Health and Wellness Channel, I mentioned a immune treatment that is being acclaimed as a value add therapy for many cancer patients – in particular, those dealing with ovarian Cancer…
The links and information follows:DENVAXTM – DENDRITIC CELL THERAPY – Customized Cell-based Cancer Immunotherapy INSTITUTE OF CELLULAR THERAPIES ( source )
Ovarian Cancer – Dendritic cell vaccine shows promise
Ovarian cancer: A 58 yr old lady was diagnosed of cancer ovary in June 2004. Her CA 125 antigen marker was positive and in the range of 10,000 units. She was operated upon and given six cycles of chemotherapy. She recovered from her disease and her marker was also within normal range. After one year, the CA 125 began rising and she presented to us with an increased titre of 400 units. There were signs of recurrence, and she opted for DC (DENVAX) therapy in June 2005. She has completed three years of receiving DENVAX. She is free of disease, proven both clinically and by radiological examinations. Her CA 125 marker is also stable for the last three years.
Another treatment greatly assisting Ovarian cancer patients is used by Hallwang Private Oncology Clinic in Germany. Removab – a trifunctional antibody has been used at the Clinic for many years Click Here for information
Last week I also discussed a new book by controversial American Cancer Physician Dr David Agus. His latest book A Short Guide to a Long Life by David B. Agus, MD, is published by Simon & Schuster ($24.99) and available on Amazon.
In his #1 New York Times bestselling book, The End of Illness, Dr. David B. Agus shared what he has learned from his work as a pioneering cancer doctor and researcher, revealing the innovative steps he takes to prolong the lives of not only cancer patients but all those hoping to enjoy a vigorous, lengthy life.
Now Dr. Agus has turned his analysis into a practical and concise illustrated handbook for everyday living. He believes optimal health begins with our daily habits.
In A Short Guide to a Long Life, David Agus espouses the idea that prolonged good health starts with lots of smallish changes today. Much of the advice – don’t skip breakfast; avoid sunburn – will be familiar. He notes that Hippocrates made many of the same observations – “Walking is man’s best friend”; “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” – in the 4th century BC. Yet the truth is that few of us have so far incorporated them into our lives.
Some of Agus’s rules are cute: for instance, “Smile – the act itself will trigger the release of pain-killing, brain-happy endorphins and serotonin.” Others seem quirky – he’s adamantly against high heels: they cause inflammation, which can raise your lifetime risk of heart attack, strokes and cancer, he says.
A few of his dictums will give pause for uncomfortable thought. Rule 56 says to avoid airport backscatter X-ray scanners. Until science can prove they’re safe, Agus says, “I’ll be requesting the manual pat-down massage when I go through airports. You should, too.”
He debunks fads: rule 60 is “No Juicing”. “Does the body really like consuming 10 carrots all at once? Or a pound of radishes? I think not.” Or how about “Eat real food”. That means avoiding anything in a packet. It doesn’t matter if it announces itself to be good for you somehow by being, say, “cholesterol free” or “antioxidant rich”. “If they have to tell you why you should be eating it, you shouldn’t be eating it.”
In the book, Agus’s voice is calm and reassuring. In person, it’s more urgent. At one point he asks me if I’ve had a flu shot this year. I haven’t. “You should get it now,” he says. “If you get the flu, in a decade from now your chance of cancer or heart disease is elevated … So go and get that flu shot if you want to play with those grandkids. It’s a sore arm.”
Like most cancer doctors he sees the advanced disease; what can’t be reversed. He wants to instil a new way of thinking about cancer. It’s not something that visits us from outside, he says. We don’t “get” cancer. Rather, we need to stop our bodies from “cancering”. Cancer is a verb, not a noun. Some rules for living longer – A Short Guide to a Long Life by David B. Agus, MD
– Caffeine, especially from traditional sources, may have protective, anti-cancer properties. But moderation is key.
– Smiling triggers the release of pain-killing, brain-happy endorphins and serotonin.
– Uncomfortable shoes cause inflammation that can have an impact on your entire system … Inflammation has been linked to heart disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer, autoimmune diseases and diabetes.
– Track your movement during the day with an accelerometer, and develop a daily personal activity target. Being sedentary is about as bad for you as smoking.
– Cleanliness counts. Wash your hands regularly, especially after exposure to germy things such as bathrooms.
– To reap the benefits of exercise, including all those biochemical reactions that lower your risk of illness, aim to break a sweat and get your heart pumping fast for a minimum of 15 minutes a day.
– Moderate alcohol intake, especially from red wine, can reduce one’s risk of heart disease. This benefit does have a caveat: drinking can potentially increase one’s risk for breast cancer, and drinking too much is far worse for your heart than being a teetotaller. Agus has a glass of red a day.
– Cold-water fish, such as salmon, sardines, tuna, trout, anchovies, herring, halibut, cod, black cod, mackerel and mahi-mahi are excellent sources of high-quality protein, healthy fats and naturally occurring vitamins and minerals.
– A daily low-dose aspirin (75mg) has been shown to reduce the risk of developing common malignant cancers in the lungs, colon and prostate by 46 per cent. So if you’re basking in the glory of middle age, this is something to discuss with your doctor. It’s the cheapest fountain of youth around and requires no prescription. Read the article about Dr David Agus in the Australian Good Weekend Magazine
This week in part one of my Radio Show Navigating the Cancer Maze On Voice America, we are exploring some good news research. This is an information–packed episode with resources to treatments and research aimed at cancer patients being informed of the latest treatments.Today I share some interesting cancer research – not anecdotes – but solid science that is leading the way with realistic hope for cancer patients. Some treatments are already in Clinical practice. I also shed some good news on Chemotherapy and news ways of delivering it to cancer.
This week in part one of my Radio Show Navigating the Cancer Maze On Voice America, we are exploring some good news research. This is an information–packed episode with resources to treatments and research aimed at cancer patients being informed of the latest treatments.
Last week on the show I interviewed ethicist Dr Julie Crews where we discussed lack of science, poor research, lask of evidence and the problems with anecdotal Stories. If you missed the interview you can download it. Click here
DNA repair
Today I share some interesting cancer research – not anecdotes – but solid science that is leading the way with realistic hope for cancer patients. Some treatments are already in Clinical practice. I also shed some good news on Chemotherapy and news ways of delivering it to cancer. Click here to listen now
Now to some snapshots and resources from the show:
Researchers and clinicians have focused on ways to minimize side effects without compromising ‘kill capacity’ of drugs. Another focus has been to find different ways to deliver chemotherapy making it effective and less toxic.
German interventional radiologist Professor Thomas Vogl, has published more than 100 papers. Author & co author of many medical textbooks, he uses a wide variety of innovative cancer treatments including TACE & TACP. Via the femoral artery, he finds his way through networks of blood vessels with fine catheters to delivers a payload of chemotherapy directly into tumours or body cavities where difficult to treat tumours exist. The side effects are minimal to none. Having personally watched dozens of procedures; the Professor is a master of his craft. He is one of the few, successfully treating Mesothelioma (asbestosis), significantly extending lives. http://www.germancancertreatments.com/drs-treatments/
A Recent Australian discovery in medicine EDV technology had a heart-warming beginning. Having made a solemn promise to a dying colleague, two scientists devoted their lives to finding a new way to treat cancer and in the past decade have made a lot of progress. The website is must see for all Australians in particular. The new technology is explained. I suggest you navigate the menus and in particular view the videos to get an understanding of this amazing and ingenious technology. www.engeneic.com
Dr Himanshu Brahmbhatt and Dr Jennifer MacDiarmid
The couple responsible for EDV technology Dr Himanshu Brahmbhatt and Dr Jennifer MacDiarmid were featured on ABC Australian story some time ago. Also a must watch for anyone interested in targeted cancer treatment: http://www.abc.net.au/austory/specials/holygrail/default.htm
*From a funding viewpoint – this Group – EnGeneIC is worthwhile of your philanthropic input*.
Chemotherapy often gets bad press. Some tolerate it better than others. Have you ever wondered why some patients who have chemotherapy and never change their diet or lifestyle or taken supplements – get through cancer and have long remissions – sometimes for their entire life time? Having worked with cancer patients for 40 years, I have seen thousands of them!
A group of Italian researchers recently published a paper that may shed some light on why people respond differently to chemotherapy – is it dependent upon the robustness of their immune system? They are also suggesting that we should not throw the baby out with the bath water in terms of chemotherapy use. They say it is now becoming evident that standard chemotherapy agents can deeply have an impact on both tumour and host immune system.
Conventional anticancer chemotherapy has been historically thought to act through direct killing of tumour cells. This concept stems from the fact that cytotoxic drugs interfere with DNA synthesis and replication. However we now know that Chemotherapeutic agents stimulate both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. The ensemble of results discussed in their research paper contributes to pave the way towards mechanism-based, rather than empirical, rationales for combination of specific chemotherapeutic agents with selective immunotherapeutic interventions, opening novel horizons for more effective management of cancer patients.
Data obtained in both animal models and humans suggest that immunotherapy should immediately follow chemotherapy (1–2 days interval) to achieve the best synergism between the two treatments! Immune-based mechanisms of cytotoxic chemotherapy: implications for the design of novel and rationale-based combined treatments against cancer is published in: Cell Death and Differentiation (2014) 21, 15–25; doi:10.1038/cdd.2013.67; published online 21 June 2013 http://www.nature.com/cdd/journal/v21/n1/abs/cdd201367a.html
This blog will be continued later today with part 3 & 4 with more information about new treatments for ovarian cancer, dendritic cell vaccination and brain tumours plus…. some Prevention and risk reduction suggestions from a new book published by an oncology physician…… Informed weekend reading for all who are interested in How to Navigate the Cancer Maze. Until then…
The search for truth in healing stories is imperative for patients whose lives really depend upon it. Diagnosis cancer! It may be you or your husband or wife or father or mother. It may be your children or friends. People who are near and dear to you. When it comes to a diagnosis of cancer, the stakes are particularly high. So – the question is straightforward really – Do we want to be told lies or truth?
This year marks my 40 years working with cancer patients.The search for truth in healing stories is imperative for patients whose lives really depend upon it. Diagnosis cancer! It may be you or your husband or wife or father or mother. It may be your children or friends. People who are near and dear to you. When it comes to a diagnosis of cancer, the stakes are particularly high. So – the question is straightforward really – Do we want to be told lies or truth?
If asked about buying a product in a store – do we accept being lied to about its efficacy? No – most of us would be angry, depending on the cost of the product we might feel so cheated , we make a complaint to the Australian Consumer watchdog, the ACCC for making claims that are untrue….that is the product did not live up to its claims as advertised and the expectations of the purchaser.
Well the equivalent is happening right under our noses with society’s most highly vulnerable group of people – cancer patients!
Dr Julie Crews PhD- Searching for truth in cancer healing stories.
As the groundswell of would-be cancer entrepreneurs & patient experts claiming “I cured myself Naturally from Cancer” gains the momentum of a tsunami, one Western Australian woman, DR JULIE CREWS, a doctor of Business Ethics, is questioning why so many people have jumped on the ‘cure-all bandwagon’ to earn their living and why it has been allowed to go unchecked and under the radar for so long.
On today’s Voice America Radio show “Navigating the Cancer Maze, Dr Julie Crews takes an investigative look through the magnifying glass to examine new trends in cancer entrepreneurship where patients who are either still in recovery themselves or who claim they have beaten the odds without medical evidence, are influencing the treatment choices of millions of other cancer patients around the globe. Another group of patients influencing choices are those who have had adequate medical treatment for their cancer, but then champion their ‘cure’ to the use of dietary regimens, alternative medicine, meditation and other healing forms.
Authentic hope is a powerful ally, but false hope as a recent article published in the West Australian suggests, provides More Hype than Hope by CATHY O’LEARY, MEDICAL EDITOR February 22, 2014 Dr Crews contributed to that media piece. Select the following link to read article. MORE HYPE THAN HOPE THE WEST AUSTRALIAN DR JULIE CREWS
THE FOLLOWING IS SUMMARY OF DR CREWS TIPS as hear on Voice America’s Navigating the Cancer Maze today.
What Questions should the Cancer consumer be asking and why? What action can you take.
1. The first question is for consumers to carefully look at what the person is saying and promoting – look at the language the person is using and the claims they are making – a big one is they put down their cancer as a lesson….the fact is cancer does not discriminate. It affects good people who live healthy lives – It can affect anyone.
2. What is the background of the person(s) offering the cure-all?? Qualifications? Institutions?
3. If a person is claiming to have cured their cancer naturally, ask to see their medical records from diagnosis to recovery – remission. Ask to see medical verification. After all “Exceptional Claims require exceptional evidence” said Carl Sagan. Anecdotes and stories should not too be mistaken for truth.
4. If I follow this person’s advice – will they have any responsibility regrading my outcome? As happens in the medical profession or other qualified professional health fields- Will their insurance cover me in case of failure? (Not likely)!
3. If they are promoting products which cost money, are they receiving a ‘kickback’ or indeed do they have shares in the company?
4. What do they do when people ask questions and it challenges things they may promote? The more they have invested in the promotion the more they have to lose and will fight very hard to discredit anyone who may disagree with them.
5. Check out what they do if someone posts something that doesn’t maintain the image they are promoting!
6. Email them and ask questions and see what responses you get.
7. If they do speak of ‘medical’ doctors, they may use terms like ‘intuitive practitioner’ ‘integrative practitioner’ – the thing is, you only get THEIR version of their disease – it could be wrong…… and often is.
More soon on this important topic…..
Navigating the Cancer Maze with Grace Gawler on Voice America. I interview the co author of Spontaneous Remission, a research compilation that launched Caryle Hirshberg into the cancer spotlight when it was published in 1993 by the institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS). Co authored by the late Brendan O’Regan; the book filled a gap in research as before that time there was no standard reference for the field of spontaneous remission. It is inspiring, educative and the only published Masterpiece that has dared to research this fascinating subject.
Today on Navigating the Cancer Maze
The book, Spontaneous Remission, launched Caryle Hirshberg into the cancer spotlight when it was published in 1993 by the institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS). Co authored by the late Brendan O’Regan; the book filled a gap in research as before that time there was no standard reference for the field of spontaneous remission.
The book Spontaneous Remission – PDF downloads available see link below
The Remission Project charter at IONS was to catalogue the world’s medical literature on the subject. The result was an assembly of the largest database of medically reported cases of spontaneous remission in the world, with more than 3,500 references from more than 800 journals in 20 different languages.
Another book followed; Remarkable Recovery which in 1994 the New York Times Literary Guild Book Club named as one of three of the hottest books on the horizon. Can we go beyond the stories and apply science to the study of remarkable recoveries? This week listen to Caryle Hirshberg answer this question and hear about her life’s work studying why people heal? To listen to Caryle’s interview with me, Grace Gawler CLICK HERE
Caryle Hirshberg is a former Senior Research Associate with the Institute of Noetic Sciences she co authored Spontaneous Remission with Brendan O’Regan published in 1993. She has been involved with beneficial plant research and the Center for Integrative Medicine which researches globally, promoting pharmacological research and intelligent scientific approaches to studying into indigenous and traditional remedies. Caryle was senior Researcher for the six part documentary The Heart of Healing which became a signature series for investigation into the mystery of why people heal.
Caryle Hirshberg
In an extraordinary career, Caryle’s undergraduate study was in chemistry, mathematics and psychology at University of Florida. Her graduate work was in neurochemistry at Indiana University.
She has been involved in researching remission, neurochemistry, pharmacology, cancer biochemistry and cardiology. She has lectured widely on the subject of spontaneous remissions.
Today she is private practice. CLICK HERE to listen to this INSPIRING interview:
TO VIEW SPONTANEOUS REMISSIONS FOR FREE – SEE CHAPTERS AT THE FOLLOWING LINK.
You can download Chapters in PDF. There are some valuable and fascinating chapters on infection related remissions and a chapter on understanding of the mechanisms of cancer healing, is elegantly explained. INSPIRING & HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
This blog and Our Voice America Radio show – “Navigating the Cancer Maze” is a created as a public service by the Grace Gawler Institute for Integrated Cancer Solutions to enhance cancer education via valid and evidence based experience to help cancer patients and families make informed decisions. We are a not for profit health promotion charity with a Global impact.
