Months after his wife underwent surgeries as part of her breast cancer treatment, Navjot Singh Sidhu shared the encouraging news via video conference that she is cancer free. This announcement was greeted with much relief and warmth, as it reassured many people about the health of Navjot Kaur Sidhuformer member of the Punjab Legislative Assembly and a doctor by profession.
However, what didn’t go well was when Sidhu attributed intermittent fasting, herbal drinks, using herbs like neem and turmeric to his wife’s recovery.
Sidhu’s video, shared on his personal account, faced criticism from several health experts. They dismissed some claims made in the video as unscientific and lacking medical credibility.

Navjot Singh Sidhu’s comments highlight need for transparency

“Myths about cancer lead to misconceptions about treatment and prevention. Navjot Singh Sidhu’s comments highlight the need for transparency. Cancer is not always a death sentence. Advanced stages can, however, be more manageable , thanks to breakthroughs in early detection, treatments, and individualized treatment plans. This is seen in his wife’s recovery from stage 4 cancer, which required adequate medical treatment, such as chemotherapy and nutrition. healthy, is not a remedy, although it boosts immunity and, in general, “There is no scientific evidence that supports claims that diets can completely eliminate cancer. Rather, a healthy and personalized diet can promote quality of life and the body’s response to treatments,” Dr Vaishali Zamre, Surgical Oncology, Breast Oncology, told TOI Lifestyle.

“Cancer is not a single disease, treated with a single magic formula”

“Cancer is not a single disease, treated by a single magic formula. The treatment strategy is based on the cancer subtype, the specific genetic changes in the particular cancer cells, the organ of origin, the The extent of disease spread at diagnosis and other tumor- and patient-related factors. The treatment plan is usually developed by a group of experts from multiple medical disciplines who deliberate and adapt. a plan for every situation,” said Dr. Harit Chaturvedi, Chairman, Max Institute of Cancer Care to TOI Lifestyle.

“Practitioners of modern medicine are part of a broad scientific community that includes scientists from several streams of science. Continuing research is published in scientific journals and debated on multiple platforms. Updating treatment recommendations is almost a annual affair The optimal treatment “This plan requires a focused and dedicated team to discuss each case,” he continues and adds, “Navjot Kaur Sidhu was also treated by a team of oncologists, using chemotherapy, surgery. , standard radiotherapy, etc. The good result is a testimony to the progress of modern medicine.
“It is unfortunate that the fear of cancer has given birth to several myths, and Navjot Singh Sidhu also adds to this list by presenting his case and hundred day experience in a press conference and not in a scientific forum for a scientific examination of its hypotheses We appeal to people not to be led astray by such stories which lack scientific examination and data. Such anecdotes are generally not shared honestly for any good, but are shared. to create sensationalism.
“Patients and families undergoing cancer treatment are generally more vulnerable and cling to anything that gives them more hope. Such half-baked stories with small, short-term experiments presented as scientific evidence do great harm to our society. a serious illness, and we must all act cautiously, based on evidence and in a deliberate manner,” said Dr Chaturvedi.

“We urge the public not to delay their treatment by following unproven remedies”

A total of 262 oncologists from Tata Memorial Hospital signed a statement criticizing Sidhu’s claims. “A video of a former cricketer describing his wife’s treatment for breast cancer has been widely circulated on social media. Parts of the video imply that “starving cancer by not eating dairy and sugar “, consuming haldi (turmeric) and neem helped cure his “incurable” cancer. These claims are not supported by any high-quality evidence. Although research is underway on some of these products, there is currently no no clinical data allowing us to recommend their use as anti-cancer agents. Delay their treatment by following unproven remedies, but instead consult a doctor, preferably a cancer specialist, if they have symptoms of cancer. Cancer is curable if detected early, and. Proven treatments for cancer include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy,” the statement released as part of public interest reading.

“Please do not believe or be fooled by these statements, no matter who they come from. These are unscientific and baseless recommendations. She underwent evidence-based surgery and chemotherapy , which made her cancer free. Not haldi, neem etc,” CS Pramesh, Director of Tata Memorial Hospital posted on X.

Ayurvedic treatments should never be used in place of conventional cancer treatments.

According to wellness expert Astha Jain, co-founder of AYUVYA, Ayurveda is a traditional holistic healing system, which is complementary to cancer care. It does not claim to treat cancer, but it helps to strengthen the natural defenses, cleanse the body and restore it, as it can help prevent disease or support cancer management.
Additionally, a central theme of Ayurveda is individual constitution (dosha) as well as tailored lifestyle and dietary advice for maximum health and resilience. These herbs like turmeric, ashwagandha and neem have a high level of antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and immune boosting that can strengthen the body to counter stress and toxins present in the body. Other practices, such as yoga, meditation, and panchakarma detoxification, promote mental clarity, reduce stress, and promote healing.
Most importantly, Ayurvedic treatments should never be used in place of conventional cancer treatments. Rather, they constitute a complement to help patients improve their quality of life. Be sure to consult medical professionals so that treatments fit into a holistic approach as well as traditional and modern practices for better care.

“No man would risk a 3-5% success rate by waiting for his wife to die”

Dr. Ranjeet Sharma, MD (Ayurvedic Medicine), DY (Clinical Yoga), CCYP, BAMS, IMS, BHU posted on X in response to Tata Memorial Hospital’s statement. Backing his support for Sidhu’s claims regarding his wife’s anti-cancer diet, he wrote, “Despite all kinds of advanced allopathic treatments, doctors told Sidhu that his wife’s chances of survival were only 3 at 5%. Like any common man, disappointed #NavjotSinghSidhu started looking for ways to keep his wife alive through other systems of medicines (including #Ayurveda). No man would risk a 3-5% success rate and wait for his wife to die.”
In a lengthy article on had nothing more to offer now. (The type of diet Sidhu talked about is described only in Ayurveda and we use it differently in each patient depending on body type / #Prakriti and disease type / #Vikriti).

Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine, offers complementary cancer treatments focused on balancing the body’s energies and improving overall well-being. Although Ayurvedic herbs and therapies like turmeric, ashwagandha, and ginseng are thought to support immune function and reduce symptoms, there is little scientific evidence to support their effectiveness in directly curing cancer. Ayurvedic treatments can help manage the side effects of conventional cancer therapies and improve quality of life. However, it is crucial to consult a qualified oncologist and consider Ayurveda as a complement rather than a substitute for standard cancer treatment.