From the BBC news site, an interesting article on the use of 'Alternative Therapies'.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8017238.stm

Hi Brumigen

it's an interesting article - so is a new report out that shows that despite all the money spent on conventional cancer treatment in the UK we still have the lowest survival rate in Western Europe - the only countries that appear to be doing worse than us are the poorer countries in the Eastern Bloc - Countries such as Italy and Germany where patients are encouraged to use complimentary therapies do far better than us on survival ... I thought it was ironic in the BBC article when the mainstream medico Prof Waxman said dismissively that some Chinese medicinal herbs may 'cause kidney failure' - er-um - is he suggesting that it's only alternative treatment that is dangerous ? I hope he's not suggesting that Chemo's never done anyone damage?????!!!!! If the mainstream cared more about providing good advice in how to protect the remaining healthy areas of the patient from the effects of treatment of the cancer, then maybe survival rates in this country would be more impressive - surely there's more to treating a cancer patient than slash, frazzle and poison?

An interesting debate I reckon...

Best wishes Joan x

I have to admit to a fascination with this particular article. I do not hold with alternative therapies that make unsubstantiated claims and are reluctant to be scientifically tested. However I think there has to be a distinction drawn between alternative treatments ie treatments that exclude the best the medical world can offer and Complementary treatments, which are used alongside conventional medicine. Athough they do not claim to cure they do have the potential to make life more tolerable.
I agree with your comments Joan, in so far that conventional medicine used in cancer treatment is quite lethal and in my wife's case was the primary cause of her demise. Hindsight is 40:40 vision, had we known we would have settled for zero treatment and definitely explored some other course of treatment.
What is interesting is in the USA people are more prepared to look at the complimentary to improve their lot. Could the reason be that they are paying directly for their treatment and not having it funded by a national health service. If we had to buy our treatment directly maybe we would opt for cheaper less harmful "remedies" . I use the term remedies in an idiocratical way, for I fear we are far from a true remedy.

Incidentally the BBC are innundated with cancer related articles daily and only chose to publish on the occasions when the news elsewhere is quiet.

A couple of sites to visit:

www.quackwatch.org

and www.badscience.net/

Also read the book by of the same name by Ben Goldacre.

They both blow holes in the whole 'Alternative therapy' and 'Holistic Medicine' business and prove that the placebo effect has more of an influence on the patient than vastly diluted 'Holistic' potions.

The methodologies and conclusions of 'cures' by such mumbo jumbo are all based on flawed data and lies and are readily demonstrated as false.

As the 'Alternative' medicine business sells it's own 'qualifications' and refuses to publish it's methodologies and hence put them up for scrutiny then I think there is very little to 'debate'.

Also look at studies on such things as 'Reiki', Chiropractors and other psudo medical practices.

'Conventional' medicine may not be perfect but it has a basis in scientific principles and research that is published and presented for scrutiny and can be demonstrated to work.

I used to rate Quackwatch until Dr Stephen Barrett, its founder, was himself discreditted in court.
http://www.canlyme.com/quackwatch.html.

I also am aware that internet sites indicate Ben Goldacre is not independent of the pharmaceutical paymasters
http://www.woats.co.uk/downloads/dwarfs01.pdf

I still think there is a need to differentiate between Alternative and Complementary therapies.

Complementary therapies are approved and encouraged by the medical profession. Alternative medicines are not. I personally have no problem with that but it is a shame they are constantly lumped as one and the same.

I'll have another look at Quackwatch, thanks for the info.

Have you read 'Bad Science' ? Ben Goldacre is scathing of the Pharmaceutical industry as well.

I'll check out the other sites.

I agree about the distinction between 'Alternative Remedies' and ' Complementary therapies'

Thanks