Healthy Skepticism Library item: 7069

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Richmond C.
Shark cartilage in the water: Ignorance-based cancer treatment.
BMJ 2006 Dec 9; 333:(7580):1222
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/333/7580/1222-a

Abstract:

I write with reference to Waxman’s personal view.1 A reflexologist believes that the organs of the body reappear symbolically on the soles of the feet and that disease of these organs can be treated by massaging that part of the foot. Anyone who believes that is either woefully ignorant of human biology and seriously misinformed, or barking mad.

I spent most of a year, from November 2002 to October 2003, in a cancer ward, being treated for the complications of two different types of lymphoma. During that time the nurses repeatedly offered me the services of a reflexologist.

After two months in bed with septicaemia, my toenails had grown too long for me to wear my slippers comfortably. I could not cut them myself and a nurse told me that she could not, as it was against some kind of rule.

I am all for hospitals offering non-medical treatments to improve the happiness and well-being of patients. Hairdressing-for those of us with hair-and skin and nail care would be welcome. The same hospital trust now offers cancer patients the services of Reiki therapists, and has a homoeopathy hospital in its group.

It is unsurprising that a high proportion of cancer patients use improbable, potentially hazardous, non-evidence-based therapies. They come with the apparent endorsement of their NHS doctors.