While I agree with Bernarr Zovluck that cancer would be very rare if we
lived naturally, i disagree with his statement that death is caused by
treatments.

Proofs:
1) People died of cancer before any cancer treatment existed.

2) Clinical studies show that statistically, treatments *reduce* mortality,
i.e. people who have cancer treatment are less likely to die than people who
don't.

3) Carcinogenicity of chemicals are routinely tested on mice. These mice
die, although their cancer is not treated by drugs or surgery.


If a close relative or friend has cancer, my suggestions are:

1) Do NOT tell him/her to avoid treatments. Even surgery alone can be
life-saving. At any rate, never impose your point of view on the patient,
otherwise you would be held responsible if the patient dies.

2) Provide him/her as much moral support as possible. This is the only thing
everyone agrees that it's useful.

3) Discuss diets and/or alternative treatments only if you think he/she
might be receptive. Otherwise, he/she won't listen, will think you are crazy
or will be irritated. At any rate, do not blame the patient ("you have lived
incorrectly, now this is your punishment"), this is not constructive and
irritating for someone who is facing death.

My 2 Eurocents for the day.

JL