After Navjot Singh Sidhu Faces Backlash for Claiming 'Diet' Cured Wife's Stage-4 Cancer, Expert Details Her Treatment

Cricketer-turned-Politician Navjot Singh Sidhu recently drew flak after he claimed that his wife, Navjot Kaur Sidhu, conquered Stage-4 breast cancer by keeping her diet clean. Following heavy criticism by oncologists and health care practitioners, he changed his statement to add that his wife underwent surgeries, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy as a part of her treatment. He also said that she never took a step without medical advice and that her diet chart merely served as a facilitator.

In India, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women, accounting for more than 25% of all female cancers. As per Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), five year survival rate of cancer patients in India is 66.4% as compared to 90.2% in developed countries like the US.

Dr Harit Chaturvedi, Chairman of Max Institute of Cancer Care, said Kaur's treatment included standard chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, etc and the outcome was a testament to the advances in modern medicine. "It was unfortunate that the scare of cancer had led to several myths and Sidhu was also adding to the list by presenting his one case and a hundred-day experience in a press conference and not at a scientific forum for scientific scrutiny," he said.

Modern Medicine Has Successful Cured 50% Stage 4 Cancer

Dr Chaturvedi emphasized the importance of evidence-based cancer treatment, noting that modern medicine has successfully cured over 50% of stage 3 & 4 cancer cases and nearly 30-50% of advanced cancer cases. He said that cancer is not a one-size-fits-all disease and treatment plans must be personalized based on various factors, including the cancer subtype, genetic changes and the extent of the disease.

While Sidhu has taken back his controversial statement, Dr Chaturvedi said that public figures share the responsibility of spreading correct information as their words can influence vulnerable cancer patients. He said half-baked stories with small short-term experiences presented as scientific evidence were harming the society. Furthermore, he stressed the need for caution, evidence and scientific validation in all public discussions regarding cancer treatment.

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers affecting women globally, with men also at significant risk. Early detection of this life-threatening disease is vital for effective treatment and improved outcomes, making regular self-examinations and mammograms essential tools. Risk factors for breast cancer include age, family history, genetic mutations, and lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise. It is pertinent to note that treatment methods like chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and radiation therapy are given to patients at advanced stages of breast cancer and can have a significant impact on a woman's reproductive system.

Symptoms of breast cancer can include unusual lumps, changes in breast shape or size, and abnormal discharge. Therefore, is very important to self-screen your breasts every once in a while. The process involves looking at your breasts in the mirror and checking for bumps, lumps or discharge. You should immediately see a doctor if you notice any one of the aforementioned symptoms.