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Suzanne Somers praises alternative cancer therapy in new book, Knockout
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Suzanne Somers
Suzanne Somers’s new book, Knockout: Interviews with Doctors Who are Curing Cancer and How to Prevent Getting It in the First Place, is yet another book from the actress-turned quasi-writer, and this time she is providing readers with advice on how to prevent and cure cancer.
Much of the book consists of interviews conducted with alternative medicine practitioners, although Ms. Somers does tell the story of her own battle with breast cancer in the opening chapter. Ms. Somers was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001, underwent a lumpectomy and radiation, and then decided against chemotherapy and chose alternative therapy instead. In November 2008 she was told she had metastatic cancer but it was subsequently discovered that this was a misdiagnosis.
Concern over Somers’s advice
Many experts are expressing concern over Somers’s book. Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society and a practicing oncologist, stated his concerns during a recent (October 24, 2009) CNNhealth.com commentary. Dr. Brawley noted that while Somers “is a wonderful actress…I wish she would stick to her first chosen profession. I know some people will hear her message, follow her advice because of her celebrity status and be harmed. Her medical advice may even cause death.”
Dr. Brawley pointed out that he believes alternative and complementary medicine, when used wisely, can be useful. “My problem is with some and not all of the advocates of alternative and complementary medicine. My problem is with those who reject the scientific method.”
Dr. Brawley also noted that conventional medicine is not perfect and has involved some “abuses and misdeeds,” yet its wise use has led to a “tremendous decrease in the mortality rate over the past century.” About 25 to 30 percent of some cancers stop growing at some points, says Dr. Brawley, which can make some therapies look like they are working even if they aren’t doing anything. He encourages anyone who wants to try alternative and complementary medicine to talk to their conventional physician.
Interviews with alternative practitioners
Ms. Somers interviewed more than a dozen healthcare practitioners for the book, who give their perspective on cancer and alternative cancer treatments. Some of the interviewees include:
Russell Blaylock, MD: A retired neurosurgeon who now dedicates his time to research and nutrition studies
Stanislaw Burzynski, MD, PhD: An internationally known cancer researcher who runs the Burzynski Clinic in Houston and focuses on alternative cancer treatments
James Forsythe, MD, HMD: Heads the Century Wellness Clinic in Reno, Nevada. Dr. Forsythe has been conducting research on various late-stage cancers.
Michael Galitzer, MD: Medical director of The American Health Institute in Los Angeles, an organization that focuses on research in the areas of anti-aging medicine and cancer.
Stephen Sinatra, MD, FACC: Specializes in metabolic cardiology and is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition (FACN) and a certified nutrition specialist (CNS).
Julie Taguchi, MD: Oncologist, Sansum Clinic in Santa Barbara
Ms. Somers’s book offers information that some people will find irresponsible, while others may decide it extends hope. Information that has been gathered in a responsible manner, adhering to scientific methods or that is backed up with viable evidence seems to be advice worth considering. Whether Ms. Somers has achieved this is up to readers.
Alternative cancer treatment centers
People in the Phoenix area who may want to explore or question alternative cancer treatment options can find several facilities in their own backyard. A list is provided at “Complementary Cancer Treatment in the Phoenix Area.”
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