In a recent statement, Dr. Delroy Fray, the Clinical Coordinator at the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), has raised serious concerns regarding the reliance on herbal medicines as treatments for breast cancer, emphasizing their lack of proven efficacy.
During an interview with JIS News, Dr. Fray highlighted a troubling trend: an increase in late-stage breast cancer diagnoses despite the availability of information promoting early detection. He pointed to the practice of some patients turning to herbal practitioners when they notice symptoms, a choice he categorically advised against.
“Many individuals, upon sensing something unusual in their breast, seek help from herbal doctors who offer herbal remedies. I must stress that these remedies are not effective for treating cancer,” he stated firmly.
While Dr. Fray acknowledged that herbal treatments might serve as complementary support alongside conventional medical interventions like chemotherapy and radiation, he was clear that they should never be the sole approach to cancer care.
Referencing a comprehensive five-year study conducted by Yale University, Dr. Fray noted significant findings about treatment outcomes. The research compared groups of cancer patients utilizing only conventional treatments, only alternative therapies, and a combination of both. “The results were stark,” he said. “Patients relying solely on alternative therapies had death rates five times higher than those who received conventional care. Those who incorporated both methods experienced better outcomes.”
Dr. Fray also took the opportunity to address prevalent myths that deter women from undergoing necessary breast cancer screenings. One such misconception is the belief that mammograms could potentially cause cancer due to the radiation involved. “There is no scientific evidence supporting this notion. The benefits of early detection far outweigh the minimal risks associated with the radiation used in mammography,” he explained, adding that these screenings can detect lesions as small as a pinhead.
Another barrier, he noted, is the fear surrounding potential surgical interventions. “Some women hesitate to seek help out of fear of losing their breast,” Dr. Fray remarked. He reassured that modern surgical techniques allow for breast reconstruction using the patient’s own tissue or implants, thus mitigating the psychological impact of surgery.
Dr. Fray concluded by affirming the capabilities of Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) in providing high-quality care for breast cancer patients, stating that the treatment options available are comparable to those found in developed countries. He urged the public to prioritize regular screenings and seek professional medical advice rather than relying on unverified alternative therapies.
