Sidhu claims Diet Changes Cured His Wife's Cancer, doctors warn against unscientific remedies
Amritsar: Controversy erupted after more than 260 oncologists criticized Navjot Kaur Sidhu for endorsing an Ayurvedic diet and simple lifestyle, which he credited for his wife’s cancer-free recovery. The doctors have dismissed these claims as unscientific and potentially harmful.
During a press conference outside their Amritsar residence on Thursday, Navjot Singh Sidhu shared the happy news that his wife, Navjot Kaur Sidhu, has been declared cancer-free. His wife is a rare instance of someone beating metastatic, stage 4 cancer. His remarks to the press covered her time spent in public hospitals, her adherence to an ayurvedic diet, and the power of changes in lifestyle in combating cancer.
A group of 262 oncologists, both current and former members of Tata Memorial Hospital, collectively issued a statement denouncing these measures as false. The statement serves as a public warning against relying on unproven remedies.
Dr CS Pramesh, the hospital's director, described Sidhu’s claims as "unscientific and baseless." Sharing the statement on social media, Dr Pramesh wrote, "These recommendations have no high-quality evidence to support them. She became cancer-free due to evidence-based treatments like surgery and chemotherapy, not turmeric or neem", reports the Economic Times.
Sidhu stated, “Doctors said there is less than 5% chance of survival for my wife, even an oncologist also said that there is no chance of survival. I conducted research and started a special diet. She came back from the verge of death within 40 days. People say fighting cancer is costly but Neem leaves do not cost any money as such. Cancer cells start to die if one follows a proper diet. Cancer can be defeated with lifestyle changes.”
He kept on explaining the diets but forgot to mention that she had undergone her third Chemotherapy and surgery facilitated by Dr Rupinder Batra (Former Tata Memorial Oncologist) at Waryam Singh Hospital, Yamunanagar.
Dr Tushar Mehra expressed dissatisfaction with Sidhu’s recent press release. He stated, “Pahji, you came to a TV show & spoke about madam’s cancer journey and now this tweet which mentions all about diet & ayurveda, etc. Not even once you mentioned Dr Batra from Yamunanagar in the show who helped your whole family. I am not against any ayurveda or diet plan that you said has worked for your wife but I am appalled at your indifference to the real hero. At least do mention the chemo and the magical role that it played in saving Madam Sidhu.”
Another doctor pointed out, “Mentioned each and everything but forgot to mention the part about surgery and chemo. Wow.” Another medical professional, Dr. Akash Mathur also addressed Former Asst. Professor, Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences stated, “Diet and nutrition play a crucial role in fighting diseases, but let’s not forget that proper medical treatment is essential. Celebrity statements often misguide—always consult a doctor for accurate advice. Defeating cancer is possible but only with proper care.”
