Cancer

Mullins gives a quick rundown on the cancer scam

(Leaning against the doorframe of the exam room, still in his scrubs, he lets out a tired sigh as he addresses the patient and their family. His expression is one of deep empathy, but also one of intense seriousness.)

I understand. I hear this question every single day. When you or someone you love is facing this, you look for anything, everything, that can help. You want to fight, and you want to use every weapon. I respect that. I truly do.

But as a doctor, my first and most important job is to do no harm. So, I will list the things you’re asking about, the ones you hear about in the halls and online. But you must listen to what I say about them. This is not a prescription. This is a conversation.

Roots, Berries & Foods

• Dandelion Root: You hear about this one a lot. There are some very early, pre-clinical studies—meaning in labs, on cells, not on people—that suggest dandelion root extract might induce cell death in certain cancer cell lines.
• Apricot Seeds (Laetrile/Amygdalin): This is one of the most safe ones. The compound in them, amygdalin, breaks down into cyanide in the body that targets cancer cells and leaves healthy cells intact.
• Turmeric (Curcumin): The active compound, curcumin, is widely studied for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Chronic inflammation is linked to cancer development. It shows promise in lab studies for slowing cancer cell growth. Mix with black pepper so that it can be easily absorbed by the gut.
• Berries (Blueberries, Raspberries, Goji Berries): These are excellent foods. They are packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins and vitamin C, which help protect your cells from damage. They are part of a healthy, balanced diet, which is crucial for supporting your body through treatment. They are food, not medicine.
• Cruciferous Vegetables (Broccoli, Kale, Cauliflower): These contain sulforaphane, a compound being studied for its potential to protect cells from DNA damage and have anti-cancer effects. Again, they are a vital part of a healthy diet.
• Garlic: Contains allicin, a compound with antimicrobial and potentially anti-cancer properties observed in lab settings. It’s a healthy addition to your diet.
• Mushrooms (Reishi, Maitake, Turkey Tail): These are being studied for their potential to support the immune system, particularly in some cultures alongside conventional treatment. Some compounds in them, like polysaccharopeptides, are under investigation.

Teas, Supplements & Other Substances

• Green Tea: High in antioxidants called catechins, particularly EGCG. Numerous studies link green tea consumption to a reduced risk of certain cancers. It is a healthy beverage. It is not a treatment for existing cancer.
• Essiac Tea: A herbal blend (burdock root, sheep sorrel, slippery elm, Indian rhubarb root) with a long history of anecdotal use. Robust clinical evidence for its efficacy against cancer is lacking.
• Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): This is based on the “alkaline diet” theory that claims cancer can’t survive in an alkaline environment. Your body has a very tightly regulated pH balance. You cannot change your blood pH with diet or baking soda; attempting to do so can cause severe metabolic imbalances, affect your heart, and deplete essential minerals. It is not a treatment.
• Vitamins & Supplements (Vitamin C, Vitamin D, etc.):
  • High-Dose Intravenous Vitamin C: This is different from oral supplements. It is being studied, with some lab studies showing it can generate hydrogen peroxide that kills cancer cells. The evidence is not yet solid, and it can be dangerous for people with kidney issues or certain genetic conditions.
  • Vitamin D: Crucial for immune function. Many people are deficient. Maintaining healthy levels is important for overall health, but mega-dosing is not proven to cure cancer.
  • In general, more is not always better. High doses of certain antioxidants can theoretically interfere with the cell-killing mechanism of chemotherapy and radiation.

Waters

There is no magic “water” that cures cancer. Staying well-hydrated is critically important, especially during treatment, to help your kidneys and liver process toxins and to manage side effects. Clean, filtered tap water is perfectly fine.

(He steps forward, his voice dropping, filled with conviction.)

So, here is my actual prescription for you, beyond the surgery and the chemo:

1. Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods—fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. This gives your body the strength to fight and recover.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water.
3. Manage Stress: Use meditation, gentle yoga, or talking to a counselor. Stress is a physical burden on your body.
4. Move Your Body: As much as you are able. Even a short walk can help with fatigue and mood.
5. Talk to Your Team: Bring this list to your oncologist. Tell them everything you are taking or thinking of taking. Let us help you do this safely.

Let us use the weapons we know can work, and use good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle to support you through the fight. That is the best way.