Former world champion motorcyclist Barry Sheene has reportedly chosen to forgo conventional medical treatment for his throat and stomach cancer, opting instead for a strict regime of natural remedies. Sheene, 51, who now resides in Australia, is understood to be following the Breuss diet, a 42-day programme developed by Austrian naturopath Rudolf Breuss. This diet comprises a specific blend of organic vegetable juices, including carrots, beetroot, celery, Chinese radish, and potato, alongside herbal teas, with the purported aim of nourishing the body while simultaneously starving cancerous cells.
The Breuss diet, conceptualised by Rudolf Breuss who passed away in 1991 at the age of 92, claims to have successfully treated numerous individuals with various cancers that had not responded to traditional medicine. However, medical experts and organisations like Cancer Research UK caution that there is no robust scientific or medical evidence to substantiate these claims. Sarah Turner, a senior nurse at Cancer Research UK, emphasised that her organisation does not endorse alternative therapies as standalone treatments due to this lack of scientific validation. She also raised concerns that prolonged adherence to highly restrictive diets, such as the Breuss regime, could lead to significant nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition.
Beyond the Breuss diet, other alternative cancer treatments attracting public interest include the Gerson therapy and Moxibustion. The Gerson therapy, developed by German Dr Max Gerson in the 1920s initially for tuberculosis, involves consuming substantial quantities of fresh organic fruit and vegetable juices, often requiring up to 13 glasses daily, alongside multiple daily coffee enemas. Despite numerous personal anecdotes, scientific studies have not demonstrated its effectiveness against cancer. Similarly, Moxibustion, a practice often integrated with acupuncture that involves applying heat to specific acupoints using burning herbs, lacks independent scientific studies to prove its efficacy in humans, although one study in Taiwan observed increased lifespans in treated mice with tumours.
While the NHS does not recommend alternative therapies as primary cancer treatments, there is a growing recognition of the potential benefits of complementary therapies when used alongside conventional care. Many NHS cancer centres are increasingly incorporating options such as aromatherapy and massage, which can help manage symptoms, reduce stress, and improve the overall well-being of patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy. These complementary approaches are distinct from alternative therapies, which are often presented as replacements for proven medical treatments.
The decision by public figures like Barry Sheene to pursue alternative treatments often brings these methods into the spotlight, prompting wider discussion among the public. However, healthcare professionals consistently advise against abandoning conventional, evidence-based treatments for cancer, which have undergone rigorous scientific testing and clinical trials to demonstrate their safety and efficacy. Patients considering any form of complementary or alternative therapy are strongly encouraged to discuss these options with their GP or oncology team to ensure they do not interfere with conventional care or pose health risks.
The cost of engaging with some alternative therapies can vary significantly. For instance, the Breuss Cancer Cure book is available for approximately £6.45. Gerson therapy materials, such as books, can cost around £18. Moxibustion sessions typically range from £30 to £80 per treatment, which lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. These costs do not include the potentially significant expenses associated with the specialised organic produce or equipment often recommended for such diets.
Source: Cancer Research UK, Quackwatch, Gerson Institute