Melbourne: A man diagnosed with a rare, incurable lymphoma claims that he has been able to cheat death for 13 years by eating apricot kernels.
Paul Reid insists that the `cancer-killing` properties in the kernels, rich in vitamin B17, and a strict vegetarian diet have cured him, despite the doctors telling him he would live for just five more years.
"I don`t think my journey has been unscientific, it`s just that there`s been no science in a big way applied to it,```` the Age quoted him as saying.
He added: `` We`re not immortal, but I believe I`ll be healthy from taking this direction.``
However, health experts are worried that Reid is among the growing number of cancer patients who are putting their faith in `anti-cancer` diets promoted by alternative health practitioners, which may not always work.
Amanda Hordern, director of the Cancer Council Victoria`s information and support helpline, said: `I`ve spoken to people who have mortgaged their houses looking for this wonder cure. I`ve heard of 20,000-dollar retreats where people go away and are taught how to have alternative diets that are unproven.
`People have asked us for financial assistance to pay for funerals because they`ve lost absolutely everything in pursuing the elusive hope and it hasn`t worked.`
However, cancer patients like Reid argue there is no harm undergoing an organic treatment.
He said: `So what if there`s no scientific proof? What has a person to lose by going on an organic diet?` he asks. `I don`t think my journey has been unscientific, it`s just that there`s been no science in a big way applied to it.`
ANI