Did Natural Cancer Treatments Save My Life?

[@Maya-xv6nn]

THANK YOU. People giving their ~hot take~ when someone is going through something as tough as cancer drives me MAD. I'm so glad you are better, thank you for talking about cancer. So many of us have been affected by cancer wether directly or indirectly. My mom died of brain cancer when I was 9 & it would have broken my heart to know that people were making her life harder by giving all their opinions about her treatment.

[@vlogbrothers]

There is nothing worse than knowing you might die and then being told it might be because you're doing the wrong thing.

[@fangirlfortheages5940]

@@vlogbrothers that’s the saddest thing I’ve heard in a while :( so glad you’re better hank

[@NicoleAZ145]

Yes, me too. I know they’re trying to help in most cases but to tell someone they’re doing it wrong is just awful. And I’m sorry about your mom. I lost mine later in life but it’s worse to lose a parent so young. Sending a hug.

[@parkerbond9400]

Actual hot take: a 'hot take' that tells someone who is seriously sick that they should use natural remedies instead of using tried and scientifically tested treatments is hot in the same way Chernobyl is (dangerously radioactive ☢️).

[@TheAmyrlinSeat]

Yeah, hot takes are for silly stuff like TV shows or sports teams, not life or death things.

[@juliaxchung]

Welcome to the curly hair club! I guess you can tell people the curls are ~natural~ :)

[@vlogbrothers]

HAHAHA

[@nothingissimplewithlloyd]

Same thing happened to my wife. They say it won’t last, but it’s been this way for almost a year.

[@CatMom-uw9jl]

@@nothingissimplewithlloyd I knew a guy whose hair stayed curly for several years. I moved away after that, so I don’t know if it continued.

[@tinnagigja3723]

I've heard of chemo curls, but does it work the other way around? Can curly hair grow straight after chemo?

[@CyberGrape]

Can we call them "Hank's Cancer Locks"? :D

[@simonastor1437]

Sure, those people are right, chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, none of those are “natural” forms of treatment. But you know what is natural? People making stuff like that to help other people live long and happier lives.

[@TheDax609]

Other things that aren't natural: -Indoor plumbing -Climate Control -Travelling faster than the speed of a horse -Eyeglasses -The internet Natural things: -Hurricanes -Aresenic -Cobras -Volcanoes -Rabies

[@littlebitofhope1489]

@@TheDax609 To be fair, riding or driving a horse is not natural either.

[@Vesperitis]

​@@TheDax609Things that are also unnatural: Clothes, clocks, the thing that you carry in your pocket that consumes your attention and connects you to the internet Things that are also natural: Duck penises

[@lyravain6304]

@@TheDax609 Also, things that are natural; -inbreeding -dying of dysentery -common cold -heatstroke -vaccines (though I'm betting most of the 'natural remedy' people forget that) And things that aren't natural; -BOOKS -Internet -Electricity -Education -Buildings.

[@kaspianepps7946]

@@lyravain6304 It's pretty clear that the people promoting "natural" remedies have a strong aversion to education.

[@rahsahphlow]

"Cancers are not chill" I'm an oncology nurse, I agree

[@-Teague-]

They aren't known to be exactly agreeable

[@evanlinden4410]

You do good work

[@cmicham18]

I have a chronic lung disease (CF). My general response is "humans had thousands of years to figure out how to treat CF, the best they could do was ~5 years of age of survival. With Western medicine I take two pills in the morning and one at night, and I don't cough anymore, and I'm expected to live past my 50's. I'll take what's been proven to work." I have a particular hatred for those who try to make you feel like your disease is your fault, ie "you're just not thinking healthy thoughts", or "you just need to do yoga" like it will somehow cure my lung infections. Those people are insidious and are usually trying to either profit off you or make you feel ashamed for being sick. Ignore those wackos, they are a blight on society.

[@roguegreyjedi]

"/or make you feel ashamed for being sick/" yeah health in our culture is tied too much to morality in this wishful Just World thinking that being healthy or unhealthy is a personal choice rather than a combo of luck and access

[@ElpSmith]

It is so difficult for people to understand that no amount of essential oils in my belly button or smoothies or juice cleanses can cure a chronic illness

[@ronblack7870]

research has shown that positive thinking against cancer like i'm gonna beat it! has ZERO effect on outcomes. same with prayers . proper treatment is the only way.

[@Stettafire]

Also side note. Yoga is meant to be relaxing, and people genuinely suggested it to "help" with my PTSD. Reader, yoga is NOT relaxing it's infuriating. I hate it. I also hate the stupid whale music they put on and the stupid sermons of "and breathe through your peace to find your inner balance" these words mean nothing to be, and they drive me up the wall! Also, several of the poses, lying on the floor, facing a white wall, long periods of silence = terrible for PTSD. 0/10 not relaxing. Would not recommend.

[@Stettafire]

​@@ElpSmithNot to mention also "essential oils" (fragrance oils are what they're actually are) are not meant for human consumption. Anyone putting them where they'll contact food (like work surfaces etc) or putting them in places they'll get injested, are running the risk of making people very ill

[@emaarredondo-librarian]

History shows that until pretty recent times a cancer diagnosis was a death sentence. Even movies show that; the doctor says "cancer," and the patient says, "how long?" If cancer could have ever been cured with teas, baths, diets, or meditation, it would have never been the absolutely terrifying thing that so many biographies, novels, and illustrated medical textbooks show.

[@starsiegeRoks]

Absolutely correct, along with many other now curable/preventable diseases. Cancer, TB, rabies, internal infections, polio, auto-immune diseases, and the infamous dysentery. All of which can be prevented/cured, but killed millions cumulatively before we began refining the field of modern medicine. (TB is still a problem due to greed and distribution problems however.)

[@cryptiddy]

⁠@@starsiegeRoksJohn Green has entered the chat

[@ThirdLawPair]

My wacko family members who are deep into alternative medicine will claim that cancer is a recent phenomenon caused by modern chemicals. I tried to explain the p52 gene, but they just couldn't accept it.

[@spacechickenawareness]

I never stopped to frame it in this way. Thank you, it is such a brilliant way to address the argument.

[@nottelling7438]

​@@spacechickenawarenessI think it also relates to the reason people want to believe in the baths and special tea. If that worked, we wouldn't have to live in the shadow of that terror. We wouldn't have to do the hard work of coming to terms with our own mortality.

[@Natnizer]

Ah, the appeal to nature fallacy. As a chemist who understands that literally everything is chemicals, this one drives me up the wall.

[@starsiegeRoks]

Same, it's kinda sadly funny how people can't see the fundamentals of what makes up the things around us.

[@Justanotherconsumer]

Probably one of those people who downplays the serious dangers of dihydrogen monoxide!

[@romulusnr]

My friend was fond of saying "It's from the earth!" about.... literally anything.

[@tonydai782]

@@romulusnr Me on my way to injest blended apple seeds because it’s from the Earth:

[@Andre_the_Lion]

I worked in a lab that had a hand-washing sink labeled with a sign that said "No solvent or chemicals down drain" I always wondered what the people who made the sign thought came out of the tap...

[@cbpd89]

My mom worked at a cancer hospital for decades. She worked in urology, so she mostly saw prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is very common, it is also extremely treatable! The treatments are so effective, they really didn't expect patients to die from prostate cancer. She did have one patient die of his cancer, though. He decided not to the highly effective treatment regimen that was recommended to him, he decided he was gonna beat this thing with diet, exercise, and herbal supplements. Diet and exercise are good things, I think a lot of herbal supplements can be good or at least neutral things, but they will not eliminate tumors. He died within a few years. He could have lived decades more, but he chose not to.

[@nyxx7813]

Darwin award.

[@Brennen666CA]

The sad part he didn't choose. Noone chooses to die, he was sold and convinced by others who had an agenda or money to be made off him with an alternative treatment they likely convinced him was better / safer / natural.

[@ThirdLawPair]

So what do you say to someone on that path?

[@jenniferclyde8911]

See also Steve Jobs unfortunately

[@isaacholzwarth]

I know this is just anecdote, but my close relative had the same cancer as Hank, she beat it by eliminating sugar from her diet, eating super healthy organic foods, lots of supplements, coffee enemas, etc. I'm very against that line of thinking, and I don't know what exactly was the thing that worked for her because she tried many things (some of which I'm pretty certain are just loony, like coffee enemas, ew), but she didn't do chemo and she's doing amazing and has had many kids and is still cancer free all these years later. I believe she did chemo the first time she was diagnosed (it was fairly late stage and I think she almost died), but then it came back a year or two later and she decided (with the encouragement of another relative) to go the "natural" route. All I'm saying is, SOMETHING she did worked for her better than the Kemo. I'm not a fan of naturopaths, but sometimes I do think about how much money hospitals make off of sick people and wonder if they really do try everything and if they haven't suppressed some things. I don't know. I try not to be a conspiracy theorist, but I really don't trust big pharma. They've lied way too many times.

[@kamidsjournee]

My thyroid cancer required radioactive iodine treatments. They kept the two capsules in a 40# lead lined ammo box, used tongs to put the two capsules into a small Dixie cup, gave me the capsule cup and a cup of water and told me to swallow them. Then they used a Geiger counter to show me how radioactive I was and told me if I went to the airport I would set off all the alarms. I’m pretty sure this is a natural treatment, too. It’s amazing to me how people much smarter than I am have figured out how to treat people like me.

[@seigeengine]

Radioiodine used in thyroid cancer treatment is actually one of the things that's arguably the most unnatural, being produced in nuclear reactors.

[@IrisGlowingBlue]

If this is okay for me to say, that sounds like the most mad scientist-ass situation to see

[@Immakugleblitz]

Holy cow! That's hardcore. Must have been a terrifying experience, but it makes an awesome story.

[@cogspace]

I love that effective cancer treatment exists, and I love how badass it often sounds. To quote XKCD 933: "I just have one tattoo - it's six dots on my chest, done by my oncologist. I need them for aligning the laser sights on a flesh-searing relativistic particle cannon so it will only kill the parts of me that are holding me back." 🤘Congrats on putting your cancer into the past tense. 💜

[@kamidsjournee]

@@Immakugleblitzthe first time it was kinda terrifying when ALL the medical staff scattered like cockroaches when the ammo box was being prepared to be opened. The next time (first time 2009, second 2015) I told the doctor how unnerving it was that I was swallowing something that made everyone scatter. This time they exited slowly and with more grace. Haha

[@TheSuzberry]

Steve Jobs tried that, my sister-in-law tries that. They both died from the cancer. I’m glad you took advice from qualified medical experts and hope you will live a long, happy and healthy life.

[@ThirdLawPair]

More specifically, Steve Jobs died of a *treatable* cancer because he avoided modern medicine until his cancer progressed to a non-treatable stage.

[@picklepa]

Steve Jobs had pancreatic cancer though, which has a 5 year survival rate of 12% (as opposed to the 90% of Hodgkin’s lymphoma). Even with chemo it’s insanely unlikely he’d still he here, donMt drag my bro Steve into this 😔

[@Voyajer.]

​@@picklepahe had a more rare version of pancreatic cancer not the common super aggressive variety.

[@Teth47]

@@picklepa He still tried to cure it by eating fruit and not showering, and then paid his way to the top of a transplant list and died anyway, depriving someone else of a pancreas to protect his vanity. Steve Jobs was a greedy misanthrope who also happened to be good at product design. Do not worship him, he was a monkey just like the rest of us.

[@Vonononie]

⁠@@picklepa The five-year survival rates for pancreatic NETs are: More than 50% overall. More than 90% in cases where the tumor hasn't spread. Your bro Steve found it before it spread. Chances are he would still be alive now if he hadn’t gone down the herbal tea and 🤞🏻 path

[@alleycaaat]

So, what I'm hearing is that a pretty flower and soil saved your life? That. is. AWESOME! As an agriculture science major, conservationist and farmer, this made me ridiculously happy.

[@CorwynGC]

And absurdly annoyed at people who are unconcerned that we are extincting many "potential cancer treatments in the form of species" every DAY.

[@evilsharkey8954]

Dirt and plants! It’s crazy that one of the soil bacteria comes from such a specific place.

[@Efflorescentey]

As a former 6 year old girl, this makes me very happy too.

[@helenkeller9182]

​@@Efflorescentey Oh gosh, I am going to steal "a former 6 years old girl" phrase to my vocabulary :'D That's just brilliant! :D

[@Efflorescentey]

@@helenkeller9182 hahaha go forth, fellow former 6 year old girl 😝

[@mirandabianchi6009]

My Dad died at sixty with a very treatable cancer because he fell (or was pulled) down the rabbit hole by people telling him chemo would be terrible, surgery would "give the cancer oxygen", and that he could eat raw food only and do lots of other "natural" things that would cure it (like the coffee enemas and apricot pits you mentioned). He forwent chemotherapy and he died because of conspiracy theorists (some of whom are still posting on KZbin), not because of cancer. I'm so grateful you're posting this video, and so grateful you're still with us.

[@kashiichan]

I'm so sorry you went through that, and for your loss. That's a really awful situation.

[@futhark3]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Unfortunately this happens way too often and there's usually some grifter making money off someone's desperation

[@geekdivaherself]

"...Give...the cancer...oxygen...." Goodness gracious mercy me sakes alive Susquehanna, as my grandmother used to say. I'm glad she did, otherwise I wouldn't know what to say. I'm sorry for your very tragic and unnecessary loss and I wish you and yours well.

[@ebonyl9312]

I'm so sorry to hear this. My condolences for your loss.

[@jaypalnitkar4400]

Dear Miranda, pls dont blame yourself. I have seen many cases in my dear and near ones, who took chemo and had a very painful & unpleasant death. Vision losses, neuropathy, bed ridden, vomits, diarhhea, agitation, depression, anxiety, disconnectedness, no zeal to live, forgetfullness, hallucinations, full body burning sensations, tinnitus, heart failure/weaking, liver and kidney dysfunctions. Sometimes chemo is worse than cancer. You have to see it to believe it. Dont just trust the patient stories online.

[@LaGloriana]

As someone who's going through cancer treatment right now, I have to say the most difficult part for me is my mother trying to convince me to try "alternative, healthy methods" (to be clear though, I've avoided chemo so far and if I'm very lucky I won't need it at all, so my side effects are a lot less horrible). I know my mother means well and only wants what's best for me, but she doesn't seem to understand that by continuously trying to get me to use additional methods, she's also trying to make me doubt my doctors and their decisions. And that's the part I struggle with because I really, really need to believe that my team of doctors know what they're doing and I mentally can't afford to lose my trust in them.

[@HexerPsy]

Well... You can change that, but it may be easier for you to talk to someone your mom trusts (dad maybe? or a sibling?) who can motivate your mom to be more supportive. Please keep in mind that this is also your mom's method of coping with her child in need. She may be helped herself and be more helpful to you, if you ask her to do something else for you instead, than spending her time on this advice. Like... idk, a cooked meal when you are tired? Because ultimately from a hard science perspective, so much has been tried - IF it had actual tested benefit, then surely we would try anything that... I can tell you that for sure, working in the cancer treatment field myself.

[@_maxgray]

I'm sorry that you have multiple layers of suck going on. The impact she's having on you matters more than her intent. Do whatever you need to do to get through this and don't feel like you need to apologize for it - whether that's appointing a friend/family member to run interference for you, hanging up/leaving/telling her to leave whenever she starts in on the topic, not reading her emails/texts, lying to her about what you're doing in treatment, heck even having huge fights about it if that's what feels right. You are the most important part of your treatment journey - and you get to decide who else you invite along with you. Sending you all the positive vibes and best wishes in the world - you've got this!

[@steggopotamus]

he weird thing about cancer too, is things that are normally universally good, might make cancer worse. So antioxidants that improve blood flow, improve blood flow to the cancer (there's a study that says this) so, if your mom suggests something that has a scientific study that shows its effects like maybe ginko, you could take ot to your doctor and say, if this increases blood flow to your cancer, how would that affect the effects of treatment, is it the kind of treatment that needs travels through your blood? And it could be a useful way to deflect your mom "I asked my doctor".

[@elainerose8799]

Have you tried telling her directly what you said here. Sometimes people just need to be told directly but gently

[@geeksdo1tbetter]

Dear LaGloriana's Mom, I'm so sorry this scary thing is happening. I imagine one of the worst parts is feeling like you have no control and can't do anything to keep your baby safe. Maybe tho, you can pick a different role on this care team? Like, you can't become a cancer doc over night, but! You're the one who knows LaGloriana's favorite things, what makes them feels safe and loved and giggly and distracted from the worries. Give your time and your comfort. You got this!

[@AnthonyMorganti]

Two of my sons have had lymphoma. Almost 7 years ago, my youngest son was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and 2 years ago my second oldest son was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Thankfully we have a renowned cancer center 20 minutes from our house. Both have been treated and are doing great. I couldn’t imagine having a child that could not have an opportunity at life. Thank you Hank for what you and your brother are doing. We ordered your cancer socks and will wear them proudly.

[@evilsharkey8954]

Two lymphomas in the boys? That’s a lot of cancer. Do you have a family history of cancers? If not, you might want to look into pollutants around where they grew up.

[@clairenollet2389]

I didn't get the lung damage from bleomycin, or the cardiac damage from adriamycin, but I did get the nerve damage from vinblastine. Balance is bad, I have trouble walking down stairs, and I can no longer ride a bicycle. Persisting for 33 years. The numbness in my hands and feet only lasted a year. I'll take it, because it beats dying at age 29.

[@juliathompson101]

Im sorry ❤ as a fellow nerdfighter with nerve damage (from a car accident) I can at least relate to that pain

[@clairenollet2389]

@@juliathompson101 Hey, I could have been dead by 30. Every day after that is gravy.

[@charlesa9757]

"Do you know what they call alternative medicine that's been proved to work? Medicine." -Tim Minchin

[@johnyludvigsson]

"If Alternative Medicine worked, it would be called MEDICINE!" - Robin Williams

[@TheBeanHome]

@@johnyludvigssonall medicine was alternative once. And many established medicines have been proven junk decades later

[@matvangogh]

​@@johnyludvigssonnot true. Big Pharma Cant make any money off of alternative cures

[@mitchhills4747]

@@johnyludvigsson What about hippcrates who said: 'Let food be your medicine and medicine your food....?'

[@Diamond1906Az]

Clever, but lazy. Western medicine calls it 'alternative' to maintain control over what is considered 'legitimate.' Ever wonder why pharmaceutical companies rake in billions while the actual health of people continues to decline? Western society was built on a foundation of profit, not truth. That’s why anything that challenges the status quo gets labeled 'alternative.' Convenient, huh? It’s funny how the same 'alternative' treatments used for thousands of years are now being patented by big pharma once they figure out how to monetize them. So yeah, maybe question why the 'real medicine' you trust needs lobbyists and billion-dollar advertising budgets. Think critically before dismissing what you don’t understand."

[@emilys3793]

Fascinating to see how your body rerolled your hair! Curly hair is neat!

[@monicarenee7949]

I have a friend whose hair grew back after cancer and it became the most perfect curls, just so bouncy and thick. Amazing thing it is

[@OneOddOwl]

Hank gets cancer and spends his treatment time designing socks to try to make cancer treatment more available for others. John takes on more responsibilities and adds on to that finding ways to make tuberculosis treatment more accessible. You're gems, I'm so glad you're here, and I'm here at the same time❤

[@-Teague-]

+

[@twilightfyre6902]

I actually did a presentation on Vinblastine in my medicinal plants class, and it was one of the first chemotherapy drugs, and is used for a few different cancers. However for a few plant based anticancer drugs theres actually been shortages due to the small amount produced in the plant, including for vinblastine (which also is converted into vincristine, a arguably better anticancer drug), which can make it harder to get effective treatment. Research in these areas is needed in order to find more ways to increase yield sustainably so that more people can get the treatment they need

[@vlogbrothers]

Are they still extracting the vinblastines from plants?? I assumed they'd've found a way to synthesize it by now!

[@Pokorombo]

Hey, I have done research on this plants' biosynthetic pathway, and it is fascinating. I think a lot of effort has been put into improving cultivars for increased production, but as the pathway is very long the increase is very marginal. Good pointing out that the treatments are derived from nature Hank, but don't forget to remind people that eating the plant that produces these anticancer chemicals can do more harm than good! They can be quite toxic thanks to all the other compounds they contain!

[@doctormo]

​@@twilightfyre6902 I have this amusing vision of a truck with two tons of flowers pulling up to a hospital 😅

[@lettersnstuff]

no joke, give the plants to the weed people, those mf’ers went from finding a trace compound in one strain to industrial level extraction in like 3 years

[@sophiedowney1077]

Thanks for the new PhD research idea! I'm applying for grad school next year and designing a synthesis or modifying another organism to synthesize this could be a perfect topic to focus on for a paper or two. Thanks! I'm adding this to the list.

[@eviesigler3390]

Packing specific types of dirt in a wound definitely feels like a concept for a Mountain Goats song and/or metal album. Honestly, it's all I want to think about for the rest of the day.

[@IrisGlowingBlue]

++

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

Huh, now I'm going to have the notion of that song stuck in my head, without an actual song.

[@-Teague-]

​@@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721make it real

[@abdullahenani9670]

your hair is growing back! and it’s getting darker, it’s weird but I’m happy for you! I love how open you are with your experience with cancer, thank you for always teaching us. You will now know the joy of having curly hair like me, mine is black! It’s an awesome club

[@doing_aok]

at this point i think it might reach dangerous levels of poof 😂

[@abdullahenani9670]

@@doing_aokmine is always so poofy, but I brush it, john has puff levels without brushing, it’s lethal 😂

[@Babelfroggy]

I think it's also growing back curly!

[@abdullahenani9670]

@@Babelfroggyyes that’s why I said curly hair is an awesome club!

[@redwolfjoy]

I'm here to see how curly his hair will be. I am happy Hank is doing much better now, and I love the socks he designed. They are very comfy and beautiful fun colors.

[@GabrielaCenturionNeumann]

When you mentioned "30 years ago", I started crying because this year marks 30 years my grandma died from cancer. Also this year my dad got a cancer diagnose and he got treatment like you did. The chemo sucked, just like you said. But he is alive and well, just like you too. And I wanna say thank you to each and every person that has worked hard over these past 30 years to make that possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you :')

[@LisaBDoyle]

My nana died from cancer in Feb 1994 so coming up on the 30th anniversary soon, so I feel this also

[@GabrielaCenturionNeumann]

@@LisaBDoyle I am so sorry, Lisa. I am sending you a hug across the miles. I know it doesn't fix anything, but at least we know we're not alone in the pain and that is somehow comforting, I think

[@friseldy]

Hi Hank! I have Classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma stage 2B and going through AVD myself - earlier was also on Brentuximab which you also talked about in another video for SciShow. My cancer progress is doing really great so far, my first scan said I was in remission and now we're trying to make sure nothing is left. I've done 10 treatments so far with just two more left, and the plan *knock on wood* is to be done after that. Thanks so much for this video - I have decided just now that the Madagascar periwinkle is the tattoo I will get to cover my port scar when I'm ready. Maybe we need an Italian castle somewhere as well. If I'm gonna get these tattoos I am going to need to be able to answer some questions so if you have a moment I'd love any sources you read about the story of these discoveries!!

[@vlogbrothers]

Congratulations! I’m at the cancer center right now waiting for a checkup appt!

[@friseldy]

​@@vlogbrothersHope all is well! I hope you are feeling like you're getting good guidance post treatment/in recovery - I've heard from many people a feeling of "okay you're done treatment, good luck with recovery!" from their medical care structures. I've also seen some questionable services offering to fill that gap for your well earned dollars. Maybe one day you can do a video about what we *do* know about things that help keep you in remission/recover from chemo (for instance I've read and it seems to make sense that maintaining muscle mass can help because it basically diverts energy from cancer cells developing, but the most effective way to do that is of course has a lot of opinions).

[@erikrick]

An important advancement in treating side effects of chemo that you didn't mention... Gummie vitamins. Magnesium pill? Lame. Peach flavored magnesium gummies? Awesome.

[@lindsayf9225]

My magnesium gummies are peach flavored and I agree 10/10

[@geeksdo1tbetter]

This! My magnesium gummies are mango flavor! (I don't have cancer, but other medical drama that makes my levels low)

[@MickeyWilliamsVO]

I call my gummy vitamins my "adult candy." I have magnesium, pro and prebiotics, melatonin... Always adding to the bunch.

[@evilsharkey8954]

I’ve always been suspicious that they might not give much benefit unless you chew them really well. Don’t ask how I know they’re not always broken down by the gut.

[@lindsayf9225]

@@evilsharkey8954 👀

[@_sharon_ann_]

While I don’t wish anyone to go through what you have Hank, I am so glad to be learning about this process - both from personal perspective, and a scientific perspective

[@ronblack7870]

there are much worse and more painful cancers. hodgkins is pretty painless at least in my case.

[@Meggaaaaa]

I’ll never forget my mum shaming my friend (14 at the time) for undergoing chemo for her stage three cancer. It wasn’t “nautral” and she couldn’t believe her parents would “do that to her”. I hope she never gets cancer, because I know she will never accept treatment. If she does, I’ll show her your channel and this video. Such great information as always and so we’ll explained!

[@Dave.Thompson]

I feel like Hank’s hair grew exceedingly fast in the past six days. It makes me wonder if he found a shampoo that contains Miracle Grow.

[@vlogbrothers]

It just studdenly curled up!

[@JordanG_3031]

@@vlogbrothersdefinitely emphasis on the STUD

[@poeticlyfonetic]

​​@@vlogbrothersCurly hair defies gravity and intuitive concepts of shape and volume, which makes it very fun and cool. Loving the new hair Hank!

[@TheCouncil-zg4vp]

​@@vlogbrothers is it time to introduce you to the curly hair side of the Internet and teach you how to take care of curly hair? Definitely a revelation for me when I found it a few years ago. Consider it market research to make curly hair products for Sun Basin Soap!

[@clairenollet2389]

​@@vlogbrothers Mine never got curly when it grew out. I was very disappointed. LOL

[@brubs2556]

I cannot imagine being so kind as to be able go through this, hear all stupid kinds of "advice" (which are crazy and irresponsible at best, and malicious and exploitative at worse) and still be able to write this thoughtful, educational response. I could never.

[@Sammy-t7x]

Hank is not an ordinary human being. He was science communicating his way through the toughest most unpleasant thing his body has ever been thru. He's a superhero.

[@wezul]

I haven't had cancer, but I did need spinal surgery last year and share your gratitude at living in this day and age. I had been in so much pain for so long, that when the CT scan showed one of my vertebrae pinching my spinal cord, I was actually relieved. My biggest fear was that the tests wouldn't find anything and my doctors would say the pain was all in my head. Instead they found a very obvious cause, for which we have extremely successful surgery. I had surgery in April 2022 and experienced 100% recovery. I am SO THANKFUL to live today, and not any time in the past.

[@untappedinkwell]

Congratulations on your recovery!! And thank you to you, science, and your care team for getting to such a good outcome!

[@segafox]

I've had lumber/hip pain for around 6 years, recurrent, and the last bout has been worse than ever so I finally went to an orthopaedic doctor and an x-ray showed I have a curve in my lower spine that is probably either crushing a disk or pinching a nerve. I'm getting an MRI next week to hopefully pinpoint the exact cause. I hope to have as successful treatment results as you once I get it figured out! I'm so happy that you had such good results, and I'm very grateful to be living now as well.

[@ronblack7870]

i have leg pain that is getting worse and all tests and scans are negative. their answer is exercise and i can't get it through their heads that that causes the pain to get worse. i had to stop using the treadmill 2 years ago and now have trouble walking. everything hurts all the time and pain killers don't help. i had to reduce physical work from about 12 hrs a day to only a couple. and i'm only 63.

[@genhint]

Really appreciate this video!! My mom is currently going through chemotherapy and the amount of unsolicited advice she's gotten about how to cure her cancer with essential oils, random herbs, apple cider vinegar or mineral water is INSANE and honestly overwhelming for my family during an already overwhelming situation. I get annoyed yes, but I know that these suggestions made by friends and family come from a place of genuine love and simply not knowing how to help. If you know someone who is going through cancer treatments PLEASE do not bombard them with natural remedies to cure their cancer. Be there for them. Support them. Listen to them. And if you must, provide them with safe suggestions to manage their symptoms. Let them decide if it's right for their situation and support them even if it's not.

[@itskdog]

+

[@baileyjones464]

We had SO much of this when my mom was going through treatments and it drove me crazy. Best wishes for your mom!

[@HexerPsy]

The best thing you can often do is just ask: Can I do anything for you? Even a short visit, some groceries, or just a friend to talk to about other stuff. What patient in such situations need is often just a bit of help or moral support. Because for every person who approaches with advice, there are 2 more who dont know what to say at all and will stay away for years after the diagnosis. Be mindful too that after cancer treatment, side effects, follow ups and such can still be impactful and people may be in need of even more support as they process the impact the disease had on their life. But then people think its 'done' and stop sending cards and gifts. Just a general advice I wanted to add to your very true remarks! Hope your mom is handling the treatment well!

[@genhint]

@@HexerPsy I 100% agree!! The most impactful help my mom has received has been practical help like rides to the doctor's office, groceries, and meals. Such a good point about AFTER treatment as well!

[@annjames1837]

Diet plays a major role in preventing cancer and treating it. Cancer loves sugar. Look up Dr. Thomas Seyfried

[@SystemFailing]

I FEEL THIS SO MUCH. I have a channel where I’ve talked about my Crohn’s disease. It’s really surprising (and upsetting) how many messages I would get from people telling me how to handle my situation, and what sort of weird “natural” cures I should be trying. Even if well intentioned, it’s just invasive, and there’s no good way to respond to it.

[@tommiegirl2441]

My favorites were the ones who said things like, “All Hank Green does is whine about his cancer!” Hello, guys, he was educating us about a terrible subject at a time when he really did not feel like it! It ticked me off and I wasn’t in your shoes. 😂 What I learned from my recent brush with cancer is folks seem to feel like the need to offer advice you didn’t ask for about a decision that is ultimately yours to make. Most mean well, but some are just full of their own importance. Those are the ones who get mad when you don’t take their advice. You just have to do what works for you. For what it’s worth, Hank, I think you handled the situation and the anger beautifully.

[@Camo1177]

‘Why does this person, who makes videos about what is going on in his life, keep talking about his cancer, one of the biggest things that can ever happen in a persons life?’

[@itskdog]

​@@Camo1177 because social media has conditioned people to only have positivity and showing your "best life", that any talk about real things of life makes people sad and they don't want that when they're doomscrolling while bored looking for something fun.

[@moonbunny42]

Thank you for talking about this Hank. As someone who has been life-threateningly ill for nearly my entire life and accosted by people who think that I should attempt to treat my conditions "naturally," I feel this kind of pain all too deeply. It's a difficult thing to articulate how disorienting, invalidating, and heartbreaking those interactions feel. I commend you for discussing it with such composure.

[@KBRoller]

As awful as the "naturalists" can be, it could be worse. When I was diagnosed with GAD/MDD, one of my cousins gave me a lecture about how I must not be praying to Jesus enough, and if I did, I would be cured. To make matters worse, my entire family except him (he's here by marriage) are Jewish, and he waited until we were alone to give me the lecture because he knew the rest of my family would go off on him if they heard. In my personal opinion, "do the natural thing to cure your disease" is marginally nicer than "pray the disease away".

[@squee599]

​@@KBRollerI'm sorry he did that to you! My dad did the same, waited til my partner wasn't around then asked if we had considered exorcism for our teenager with Tourette Syndrome. I was and still am SO ANGRY at him for doing that.

[@-Teague-]

As a Christian I am so, so sorry for what ignorant hateful Christians like the people y'all are talking about do to people. It's so unfortunate how a religion meant to be about love and caring for each other has become so toxic.

[@KBRoller]

@@-Teague-I appreciate people who focus on the good parts of Christianity, but if we're entirely honest, that's not actually the entirety of the religion. If you believe the Bible is the inerrant word of your god, then you have to take it all and not just cherry-pick. In fact, in the New Testament, Jesus himself outright said you can't ignore the Old Testament. And when you look at the Bible as a whole.... it's got some pretty messed up stuff. What I'm saying is, if you're going to only pick out the good parts of your religion, that's great. But you then have to admit that you're not following the religion, you're just following some of the good advice it has sometimes. Which is also good! But it's important to be honest with yourself about it.

[@-Teague-]

@@KBRoller Jesus said the old testament law was permanent, yeah. That law was for God's chosen people, not gentiles. I could go on but I'm not really interested in having an argument about this, it happens often enough, I'll just say I appreciate you being civil about it and we can agree to disagree. Edit: when I say I don't want to argue but they keep replying 💀

[@4nrmike]

My CML diagnosis would have given me a 20% 5year survival before 2001. Now, since the creation of a totally lab made, like nothing ever seen in nature, artificial drug, my life expectancy is the same as anyone one else my age. A couple people suggested I should try natural treatments first, but the stark contrast in probable outcomes almost made it feel like they wanted to give the cancer a chance. I’ll take my artificial pill every day for the rest of my life and enjoy every day of it.

[@canIpleeeeaasseeegetawaffle]

I am an MD student in my Hematology/Oncology block. One of my lectures was literally called “NATURAL Antineoplastics” (chemotherapy). Also, during class today, we were talking about reasons we may stop chemotherapy and one of the students said “because chemo can kill people faster than the cancer” - to which the professor said, “um, have you seen what cancer does to people’s bodies?” Chemo is rough, but chemo saves. Thanks Hank for being so open to talk about these things!

[@MadisonEstes]

Chemo can kill faster than cancer depending on the cancer and age and general health of the patient. That's why with elderly patients, if they have a slow growing cancer where something else is likely to kill them first, or an advanced cancer where chemo will only buy a few extra months, or maybe a year, doctors sometimes advise no treatment or alternative treatments. Not all cases are the same.

[@canIpleeeeaasseeegetawaffle]

@@MadisonEstes the idea is that more people would die if chemo didn’t exist. I know that all cases are different.

[@missa740]

​@@canIpleeeeaasseeegetawafflewhy would younger people be advised to quit chemo?

[@canIpleeeeaasseeegetawaffle]

@@missa740 the only reason why someone would be advised to stop doing chemo is if it wouldn’t be effective at treating the cancer. There are some cancers that exist that are so aggressive that all of the trials with certain chemotherapeutics have been unsuccessful - and there would be no reason to make someone endure the effects of chemo in their last months of life if they have never actually been effective at treating the cancer. Edit- I.e. in a case where a normally treatable cancer becomes metastatic to a particular area is not successfully treated with chemo, i.e. stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

[@VictorNickel]

Chemo saves the pharma cartel's profits that's for sure

[@prerunnerwannabe]

My mom died from cancer a few months ago. I'm glad the treatments worked out for you. I wish everyone would get less territorial about treatments, and focus more on the real issue; keeping people alive.

[@galaxyplayz_8903]

"And helping more people to beat cancer" -NHS

[@KBRoller]

When most people use the words "natural" and "artificial", they are the epitome of that movie meme: "You keep using that word; I do not think it means what you think it means." To them, they're just buzzwords that stand in for "healthy" and "unhealthy". If you ask them to think about what they mean, they probably think of "natural" as the imagery of a beautiful tree in the sun, and "artificial" as an evil mad scientist mixing random, neon chemicals together in a lab while laughing maniacally. Of course, none of that is what those words actually mean. It's like when people taste something and say it "tastes artificial" or "tastes chemically" when they know it has artificial flavors. Except, again, that's not what those words mean, everything is a chemical, and you literally cannot taste the origin of a chemical with your taste buds. (Fun fact: what that often actually refers to is they're tasting the *lack of other chemicals* that give a more nuanced flavor, as artificial flavorings often just isolate the most prominent chemical in a food's flavor and leave out the rest. So "it tastes chemically" actually often means "it doesn't taste chemically enough" 😁). I hate the way so many mistaken ideas about health have led to a multitude of generic buzzwords that most people don't understand, but will use to justify all sorts of takes on what's good, bad, safe, healthy, unhealthy, or dangerous anyway. And most often, it's because someone has intentionally promoted the misunderstandings as a marketing ploy to sell something; i.e. people are getting manipulated out of their money. Sorry... rant over.

[@kaspianepps7946]

I think part of the issue is that the words have different meanings in different contexts. I'm pretty sure artificial and natural flavours have a legal definition for food labelling, so it does make sense to say something "tastes artificial" if you can taste the artificial flavouring. But then people associate it with the normal definition of artificial: fake, and fake food sounds like something you probably don't want to be eating.

[@KBRoller]

@@RealityMeltdownx2"See? It's fresher!" "Well, yeah, because it spoils much faster, so they can't sell it unless it's still fresh. Yay for food waste?"

[@KBRoller]

@@kaspianepps7946There are legal definitions, but you still can't usually taste "artificial". Consider for instance artificial grape flavoring. The most common artificial grape flavoring is methyl anthranilate... which is the exact same chemical found naturally in Concord grapes that gives them their flavor. Your taste buds literally cannot tell the difference between artificial methyl anthranilate and natural methyl anthranilate, because they are chemically identical. As I mentioned before, what you're tasting is the *lack* of other chemicals that give natural grapes more nuance. If all of the flavor compounds in a grape were isolated or synthesized in a lab, and added to a food, it would be identical to a grape; and even though it would be 100% legally and definitionally artificial flavoring, it wouldn't "taste artificial". Because you can't taste the difference between artificially synthesized/isolated chemicals and naturally-occurring ones of the same structure.

[@DracarmenWinterspring]

I agree that people use those words as shorthand for something else, often ill-defined, and in the case of medicine it's a misleading and dangerous shorthand. As far as flavors though, I feel like I really do have a sense that some foods taste or smell more "chemical" than others even without looking at the ingredient label, even though obviously everything is made of chemicals and chemicals shouldn't be any different if they're extracted from "natural" sources vs made in a lab. I'm guessing it has to do with the higher concentration or purity of those chemicals (and I know that sense can be mislead). But also in some cases I'm not sure it's the same chemicals. Like, I think some common artificial fruit flavors (like strawberry) don't taste like the real fruit they are supposed to resemble (and I couldn't find a source saying strawberries even contain that chemical), nor like anything else I've ever tasted - if that's true then it would make sense to call that flavor "artificial", wouldn't it? EDIT: just read the comment above me, and it resonates with one of my guesses about "artificial" flavors feeling that way because they're too pure.

[@KBRoller]

@@DracarmenWinterspringI dunno, I still think "this doesn't taste exactly like strawberries, but does taste like a chemical I know to be artificial" is importantly different than "this tastes artificial". Because the latter implies you're tasting the artificialness, which you're not; you're just tasting the ingredient you happen to know is artificial. Which I think is important because people then generalize what they believe about "artificial" things in part based on their experiences with "artificial" senses. Basically, precise language is important because people generalize when there's ambiguity, and those generalizations lead to decisions, which lead to negative impacts. I'm okay with imprecise language as long as we all know what is meant; but people usually *don't* know what is meant, and that's the core issue. Reminds me of an anecdote from my college days. I took a class called Drugs, Society, and Behavior, which was in large part the study of how drugs affect neurochemistry and neural activity. Basically a neuroscience class with a drug interaction focus. The professor was very insistent on emphasizing the fact that there is no difference between brain activity, and the more abstract terms we use for it (emotions, sensations, perceptions, etc.). So much so that when a student was answering a question once, and she said, "...that stimulates the nucleus accumbens, which causes joy," he immediately interrupted her to correct it as, "No no, stimulation of the nucleus accumbens doesn't *cause* joy, it *is* joy." Which I appreciated, because separating the two does lead to ambiguity that then leads people into having a metaphysical concept of neurology, which as we know leads to all kinds of harmful beliefs and decisions (like using crystals or copper to "treat" mood disorders, for instance...).

[@Insightfill]

When my dad got cancer, he went to his favorite Chinese tea lady and asked what she recommended. She recommended that he leave her shop and not come back until the oncologist said so. Love that lady!

[@ashrowan2143]

That's a good tea lady right there. She knows that while tea has its place in personal wellness that place is not in replacing modern pharmaceuticals and treatments.

[@DrDyDx]

Hank, thank you for talking about this stuff. I had testicular cancer about 12 years ago. I had two surgeries. No chemo. No radiation. I slept through the hard parts and the worst of it all was when John's Hopkins hospital gave me Codine after I told them I'm allergic to it (severe vomiting after an invasive surgery is no fun) - but that was it. I never had the typical "cancer experience" and in fact my family very likely suffered more with their anxiety than I ever felt any kind of discomfort. I've been cancer free for a long while now but I've always been hesitant to even talk about it because I feel like I got off easy. I didn't have a struggle or prolonged periods of recovery or side effects. So I often feel really guilty about having cancer which when said out loud is absurd. But I've grown to simply feel lucky and appreciative of the things I still have and get to enjoy. My wife and I are about to celebrate our 10 year anniversary and my 8 year old is one of the things I'm most proud of and I'm just glad I was able to get out of having cancer with a few scars and missing parts. Thanks for all your positivity and for sharing your experience with the world. That takes a lot to be able to share it and it's one of the reasons I admire you as much as I do.

[@lisahislop6839]

Not sure if you need some validation, but I have some for you 😊 I am an incomplete paraplegic, which means I can walk, and I'm also autistic. I have often felt that I'm not paralyzed enough, or that I'm not autistic enough to talk about my expericences. And some (mean) people would agree. But there is always somebody worse off. You might not have had pain, but I bet there are lingering effects this has had on you as a person, or Hank's story wouldnt have inspired a response. We may be lucky, but our experiences still changed us and are valid ❤ and there are lots of people who stay silent for the same reason.

[@MonicaTheMad]

The anger is completely understandable. Don't feel bad about it. Those people just don't know. Doctors know. The end.

[@vlogbrothers]

I don't feel bad about it, but I want to be strategic about it. Them seeing me be angry at them does not make my message easier to hear.

[@MinurielVilquen]

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[@VictorNickel]

Doctors know how to bring revenue to the pharma cartel

[@sarahrohrersy]

Hank is getting curly hair! I love it!

[@sheenawashere16]

As someone with chronic illness ive also faced the whole unsolicited "natural is better" side of the world. I was talking to another friend with chronic illness and she said that it often comes from self preservation. As in if they think that it can be cured naturally, they feel like if they continue to do that like live a "healthy life", then they wont get sick (or they have some control). Which of course is not the case, sickness happens out of the blue to anyone (and eventually everyone) but thats too scary to think about until it happens to you. That advice really helped me at least understand why people act like that and so strange when you're sick

[@MadisonEstes]

I understand SOME of the "natural is best" rhetoric. There are many things scientists have deemed "safe" and later discovered caused cancer or other illnesses. Right now I just watched a show that said, "They have never proven GMOs are dangerous" but how many long term double blind studies have been done yet? None that I know of. So sometimes it is safer to keep using things we know are safe as opposed to things we can only guess are safe because no one has invested money and time into properly trying to prove their safety. There is also a lot of money involved in trying to prove things like GMOs are safe because that makes farming much more lucrative. Anyway, I had a point but I think if got distracted. I guess that point was that those who believe in "all natural" occasionally have a point. The arrogance and recklessness of scientists who endorse GMOs and other things just because we haven't managed to prove they are dangerous, ergo they must be safe, sounds like some mad scientist rhetoric. I understand people being wary of that.

[@pianoface]

My now 11 yr old nephew had B cell Leukemia and went through chemo as a toddler/young child for many years. A coworker of mine once told me that my sibling was killing their kid, my nephew, by using chemo instead of cbd/marijuana. It was awful and I had to block them and take a long break from any interactions with them for years before my anger went away.

[@alderoth01]

My dad had to get that stem cell treatment they invented for his lymphoma. His was bad though. It moved to his pancreas. The stem cell treatment did give an extra 10 years.

[@calebsalyards8076]

I for one, have definitely spent my entire life assuming that chemotherapy drugs were all synthetic without ever thinking to do any research to confirm it. Thank you for such a pleasant surprise today!

[@karinwolf3645]

My daughter died Monday. A week ago monday. She had overian cancer that metastesized before she even knew she was sick. Nothing helped her. She took a year to die, but when it went to her stomach she couldn't get enough calories to sustain life. She tried so hard to stay alive. We all had hope until just before she died. 😢😭. I am very glad you were able to get help in time and got better!! Kisses to you and your family. 💋💋💋💋💖🖖🖖🖖

[@soumaya4960]

I'm so sorry for your loss ❤❤❤

[@Kranberry777]

When my dad was in the hospital, family members I hadn't heard from in months or years were telling me to give him all these supplements, herds, oils, etc. Of course we did some of it if the doctors didn't think it would do any harm because it was nice for him and us to feel like we were actively doing something. However their messages, while out of good faith, were incredibly draining. We took him to a reputable hospital with great doctors for a reason. Thank you Hank for speaking so eloquently on this despite how easy it would be to yell or throw insults. It takes maturity and love to post the things that you do. I'm so glad to see you doing better.

[@CleverMonkey-jd3du]

I once went out for a drink with a young lady who I was maybe a little sweet on, and everything was going swimmingly until said young lady disclosed (because the conversation turned to Bob Marley and his death by cancer) that she thought it was so odd that such a peace and love oriented artist (yes, I know Marley is a complicated person, as we all are -- she was talking about his musical and public persona) would succumb to cancer. Because, as we all know and she express so eloquently,, cancer primarily affects those with negative and anti-social demeanor. That was the last time I invited that young lady out for a drink.

[@Naiadryade]

Wow, what a judgmental belief. Taking toxic positivity to the neeeexxt level. Lucky she showed you her red flag early on!

[@justcallmeSheriff]

Your point about cancer death rates in high vs low-income countries needs to be a Sci-Show episode! It could potentially save the life of someone who is dealing with a cancer diagnosis and receiving bad advice from a "natural cure" friend.

[@hellothere3163]

You need to do a video on the art of Total Synthesis, and synthetic organic chemistry! It kills me how little people tend to understand the relationship between small molecule drugs, natural products total synthesis, and medicinal chemistry in general! People need to understand that “synthetic” and “chemical” don’t mean toxic or poisonous, and that all compounds have biological properties dependent on their structure, not the way in which they are created! A beautiful story to grab people’s attention and really drive home the points would be the development of Taxol (palcitaxel) for use in the fight against cancer, and the chemists like K C Nicolaou who have made careers out of elegantly preparing natural products through total synthesis!

[@rogue3398]

Somehow, Hank has made a video about the most infuriating people on the Internet, based on personal experience, and still managed to not only not get angry himself, but also mostly not make everyone else angry, and i think that deserves a medal 🏅

[@ellieban]

You did a really good job of not showing your anger, Hank. And it’s legitimate anger. That behaviour is not ok.

[@just__abee]

THANK YOU! Someone straight up told my mom, who has a brain tumor, to “manifest it shrinking” lmao. No, no I think we’ll trust the neurosurgeons instead.

[@kashiichan]

I mean, in my opinion that would be one of the "harmless things to try", as long as it was in ADDITION to treatment, not INSTEAD of treatment. But I suspect they weren't recommending that...

[@lost7433]

Hank, I keep waiting for you to do a short/ad where you DO mix and match the socks, and put a Morning on one foot and an Evening on the other, and say "now that's what I call a day-to-night outfit"

[@Nicolette_Thomas]

My older cousin was lucky enough to be part of a study of a biological treatment. It gave her six extra years with her great granddaughter. She passed last week due to other health issues and age (76). I was so glad we were in a place where we were able to get her into that testing.

[@Tuhar]

Great points! A lot of natural remedies that have been proven to work become actual treatments for serious diseases. Absolutely 0 debate there! I also like that you mentioned that if you'd like to try something and it doesn't conflict with known medication, go for it. I would add - that JUST taking the recommended treatment isn't always enough - and it really is in your best interest to take charge and make all of the possible changes you can to avoid issue. A much less critical story comes with a family member of mine who was pre-diabetic, received medication for it, and proceeded to take the medication while changing nothing about their diet or lifestyle, and ended up getting diabetes. The medication also caused them to gain weight much faster(note the diet didn't change), and face other health complications. Don't automatically distrust "natural" remedies just because they weren't prescribed by your doctor. And remember, we haven't tested every single plant or remedy under the sun, and there is always room for the list of approved treatments to grow, and for science to double-back and check itself. Any blind allegiance to an idealistic paradigm deserves scrutiny, whether that's 100% full mainstream medicine, or 100% full natural remedies. Like all things, there's a lot of grey area.

[@hmgrraarrpffrzz9763]

The problem with the "alternative" treatments is that many of them are scams or even harmful.

[@kindnessfirstandlove2192]

Right, no debate there. Not to speak for the commenter, but I don’t believe those are what is being referenced here. (Hence- the “doesn’t conflict with” statement) I think it’s important to distinguish between “alternative” medicine and “complementary/integrative” and “functional” medicine. People tend to use them interchangeably, but they are not the same. Lots of the shams/scams/potentially harmful/definitely harmful/ineffective stuff falls under the alternative medicine umbrella, whereas functional and integrative medicine, while often falling under what would satisfy some people’s definition of “natural” (a whole other dissection that I’ll spare you my take on lol), integrative and functional medicine include a mix of therapies and lifestyle choices which actually have research-backed evidence of efficacy and effectiveness as ways to both support and maintain health in already generally healthy people, and as supportive additions to allopathic treatment plans which can help alleviate adverse side effects, bolster the body’s natural defenses and healing capabilities, and improve the effectiveness of allopathic treatments overall in more serious diseases and disorders, such as cancer. Some of this is seemingly common sense (like how nutrition plays a front-line role in providing our body with essential nutrients and reduces the risk of certain things like diabetes, or how exercise is crucial in a generally healthy person for longevity and heart health)- but, especially in the US, we generally don’t have the healthiest lifestyle and many lack access to education about healthy choices- so it’s not as common sense as it should be. It also can address the emotional/spiritual needs of the individual (again, this is in ADDITION to necessary allopathic treatments- but humans have more complex needs than than physical alone- addressing the holistic aspect of a person is important to healing, or at least improving the quality of life for whatever time a person has left) Anyway, I agree with you, but wanted to expand a bit. There are a lot of effective “natural” (ugh lol) treatments that can serve as valuable medicine, but not necessarily a cure in and of itself. Obviously there are people out there who want to exploit and manipulate sick people for their own gain. They will claim “cures,” which is obviously misleading and all that. It’s unfortunate (for many obvious reasons) and also because it gives a bad rep to what could otherwise be valuable, effective tools in an overall treatment plan. Anyway, I’m rambling now. Have a good night and wishing you great health!

[@KommanderKarl]

I think I speak for all of us when I say we’re glad you’re on the other side man. Looking good!

[@alexandrabrandt8520]

I had chemotherapy to treat leukemia in 1986-1988, from when I was 18 months old to when I got a bone marrow transplant at age 3. Only now, in my late 30's, am I seeing the impact of that early chemo. My body is aging faster and breaking down more than my peers. I deal with chronic pain and fatigue that makes me feel like I'm in my 60's. Chemo killed my ability to have kids, and I finally got rid of my uterus last year when it wouldn't stop bleeding. The long-term effects of chemotherapy are still actively being studied and there are so few people in my age group who had the treatment I did and are still alive...that I truly don't have a life expectancy. I literally don't know what to expect for my own lifespan, other than it will probably be significantly shorter than it would have if I'd never had cancer/chemo. And yes, that does give me anxiety sometimes. But you know what? I'm ALIVE NOW. I have a wonderful, glorious, loving marriage and a life full of art and music and pockets of unexpected joy. I write fiction and create beautiful things with the people I love. I spend holidays and weekends with my family (parents and siblings I genuinely like being around), and even when the world sucks I have exactly the kind of support system I need to survive it. Also I've really gotten into foraging recently, and nature is SO COOL, y'all. I will take the chronic pain and uncertainty of being a cancer survivor because I am not only surviving, I am LIVING. And I want to keep doing that as long as I can.

[@jpendowski7503]

A polite but firm reply to haters is more than they deserve. So thank you Hank for surviving to be a good person.

[@commonvegetable]

i keep seeing people talking about how so many bad takes boil down to 'things used to be good and natural and now they are bad and unnatural'. AHHHH. I HATE IT. THANK YOU FOR TALKING ABOUT THIS. ALSO YOUR HAIR LOOKS GREAT

[@anxietearidden]

reminds me of that saying I’ve heard a few times- “what do you call natural/alternative medicine that has been rigorously tested and proven to be effective? medicine.”

[@emewyn]

Hank, I would love to listen to you as a guest on Justin and Sydnee McElroy's podcast, Sawbones. You guys have said the same things about science communication and medical misconceptions throughout human history. I'm not sure exactly what you'd talk about together, but I know that I would enjoy it immensely.

[@notjustanybeth]

One of the things I dread about the possibility of getting seriously sick is being told by people who love me that I shouldn’t follow my doctor’s treatment plan because it isn’t natural. Or for them to blame some specific thing that I may have done or eaten, or not done, or not eaten, for my illness. Help with symptoms of the disease or treatment, sure. Epsom salts are magnesium, so yay for Epsom salt baths. But telling me I will be cured by those baths would send me into a rage. Thank you for this video.

[@stanronn]

I'm cancer free because of modern treatments. I'm grateful I followed the guidance of my doctors and I'm grateful you did too❤

[@BirdsOnPowerLines]

If there was a way I would triple like or even quadruple like this video. As someone who has studied cancer for most of my life as a scientist thank you so much. I can’t tell you how much your words mean to people who are trying to do good work. And as a person who is tried to explain these nuances to others, and have never been able to find the correct words to do so, again I thank you. You are a blessing and I’m so happy to see you doing well.

[@RJeremyHoward]

You're displaying so much restraint...

[@vlogbrothers]

Thank you for noticing...

[@VictorNickel]

@@vlogbrothers You'll enjoy round two and reap your just reward as a technofascist shill

[@Ducreuxs]

​@@VictorNickelonly shill here is you babyboo 😘

[@Tesserex]

When they say "natural treatment" I think what they really mean is "the product that I'm selling".

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

Adjectives were invented by marketing companies.

[@Arctor-qd5ve]

I know it's completely beside the point, but I've watched a few older vids lately and the difference in your hair pre- and post treatment is wild.

[@thezinger8680]

I recently lost someone close to me to Cancer. Something you said near the beginning of this video bears repeating. You mentioned that the type that you had responds well to chemo and radiation. The key word is "type". Not all cancer is the same and not all treatments will work on each type. The type that my relative had was incurable with current treatments, but they were still able to slow it down with some clinical trials he participated in and give him about 12 more months than he would have had otherwise. He had the approach of "go to the top experts", and I'm glad he did. I'm also glad you're doing better now.

[@ERYN__]

We are decorating our tree with baby socks this year because the baby is almost here, and we don't care for "filler" ornaments, and we don't have a lot of meaningful ornaments yet. We get candy canes because it's fun to pick a candy cane off of the tree and eat it, and it does decorate the tree nicely.

[@mphillips4915]

My 5 year old service dog was diagnosed with a rare and extremely fatal cancer around the same time you were diagnosed, Hank. She is also on doxorubicin, as well as another drug. I still have her and she is still doing well, but the future is still uncertain. It's been a lot of ups and downs, but sitting down to watch these alleviates the isolation of it all. It's not just her/us. Thanks Hank

[@matrixsmarther2325]

Here’s wishing you success in beating cancer and selling mix and match socks😊

[@elainebelzDetroit]

This is amazing. You always impress me with how well you reply to trolls, etc., in social media - such self-control and grace. Even here you were way more polite than I suspect most of us could be, but I did like that you called those people out and responded so unequivocally. This video can be useful to people who are dealing with others saying that kind of bs to them about whatever they're in treatment for, because although the specifics would be different, the general principles still hold: that good medicine draws from nature, and avoiding it amounts to doing nothing at best and harm at worst. You hit just the right tone with this. Way to channel that anger!

[@elizabethgodwin7679]

It's really cool that a cute little flower in Australia is saving lives

[@blisles7626]

I’ve just done my first week on placement as a student radiotherapist. It’s been hard but so inspiring. Your story has bolstered my confidence in this as my career. Thank you for sharing

[@untappedinkwell]

Thank you for the work you're doing!

[@jeremylacasse2400]

My friend just died of cancer last night after a 5 year battle with osteo sarcoma. Thank you for being a beacon of hope with something as difficult as this

[@galaxyplayz_8903]

Good dam sorry for you lost l lost my dad 12 years ago due to a heart attack the Wales ambulance service kill him didn't do cpr or anything l went in beep depression at 12 yr l had another mental crisis I'm 13 and I'm still here with autism and trying to survive They are in a better place now if you need to vent I'm here even if I don't know you And my mum lost a friend due to chemotherapy they gave it to her when she had an infection. I'm here for you ❤❤

[@DanMC4270]

You’re 100% right, Hank. The natural fallacy stuff gets so grating sometimes, there was SO MUCH of that during the Pandemic. You’re amazing, keep on spreading truth.

[@lynknower]

Fully expected the first frame to just be the word NO.

[@johnmcconnell7698]

I had a cancer that has a 90% mortality rate. Followed my doctors’ orders to the letter. Also got a lot of pseudo “science” advice, which I ignored. Five years cancer free, all thanks to real science.

[@dianneclanton7762]

What did you use?

[@johnmcconnell7698]

@ I “used” good doctors and followed their advice. Basically had a generic test which informed my chemo then radiation followed by surgery. Not in remission, but cured. Going on six years cancer free.

[@meganshort4394]

Gosh I sure feel this. My son had ALL diagnosed in 2005. We lived in a super alternative health community. I used to get a kick telling people who thought the ‘natural’ route would be better for my 5 year old that we used the vinca plant to treat his Leukemia. If they were really interested I’d show them a photo of the bright yellow infusion bag with the scary warning all over it😁

[@VincentGroenewold]

I became pretty hard on people saying this tbh. Same thing during the pandemic, it made it really easy to filter my "friends list" and even family members. The outcome is positive, to me at least. If people are so black and white about something so well studied, then it won't connect me with them on that part and likely on way more things. Many discussions will only end up in emotional arguments, which I now don't have fortunately. I also have cancer unfortunately, the kinds that is not curable, but misbehaves slooooowly (chronic leukemia) and will have to get chemo and immuno therapy as well, though it must suck a lot, I'm here for that natural stuff.

[@gwynethhutchinson4142]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS! My dad has stage 4 cancer (we are approaching remission!) but the number of people who are giving or have given their uninformed non-medical advice on what he needs to be doing without any mind to his actual care regimen and the meticulous work that has gone into tailoring it is maddening. I appreciate you being so forthright about your experiences, Hank. You have no idea how much it has helped me navigate these past couple of years. Be well

[@CJonestheSteam72]

Everything is chemicals... #Hankrants

[@Steph_here]

Hank, I appreciate you so much. I am glad you are here with us to greet 2024. 💛

[@lanagomisc.6005]

Now whenever I hear the phrase, "rub some dirt on it [the wound]," I want that dirt to be from the grounds of that Italian castle.

[@4nn13h7]

People make those suggestions for vanity or just to have something to say-and the fact that they’re willing to put someone else’s health outcomes in the balance for the sake of that really tells you everything you need to know about them.

[@composthis]

Thank you for this. I have seen two friends refuse conventional cancer treatment in favour of "more natural" choices and guess what, they're both dead. And multiple different "natural cancer treatment" charlatans are richer for it and if there is a hell, there's a special circle of it reserved for grifters like that. My friends each left a hole in our community that coffee enemas and homeopathy will never fill. I hope that if people are considering rejecting treatment because it's "not natural," they think about how their death will impact the people they leave behind who love them.

[@kindnessfirstandlove2192]

I know you commented this a month ago, but I’m kind of replying to anyone this might be relevant to (and it may not be you! Apologies for a ramble). I agree with you, but want to elaborate/respectfully counter your last sentence. I’m fairly certain you didn’t intend to suggest this- but I bring it up for anyone who might have interpreted it in a certain way. I’m sensitive to this, and others may be as well. Please be careful not to put the onus of the survivor’s feelings on the people who are experiencing something like cancer (or some other life-threatening disease). People (I’m generalizing, I’m not talking about everyone and of course there are exceptions-) experiencing this are experiencing a particular type of anguish where they are already wracked with anxiety and guilt. They are probably already worried about how the process and outcome will effect those around them, or are engaging in the process of accepting that their time with the people they love, and life as they know it, may be ending. Of course it’s hard for everyone involved 💔 but they are the ones facing the potential physical experience of death and all the psychological challenges that comes with learning to accept that. Yes- even those loved ones who choose other methods instead of chemo (even in cases where they’d have much better odds), or no treatment at all. There is always the element of chance- sometimes a person will not win the battle no matter how good the odds seem, chemo or not. They are doing what they think is best for them, inside of an experience that is scary and emotional, which can be a seemingly impossible place to make such important decisions from. Especially while receiving all kinds of (mostly) well-meaning, yet confusing information. It is their journey and choice to do what they think is right for them, no matter how much we might disagree or would have made other choices. It’s already hard enough of an experience without placing the burden of how the survivors will deal without them onto their shoulders, or making them feel responsible for choosing the “right” treatment or not. There are already many practical logistics the person will have to consider about what happens to their loved ones if/when they’re gone, they shouldn’t bare the emotional weight of others as well, especially over an outcome they really may have no control over. Our job is to support them in a way we can and in a way they need, in their journey, whether we agree or not with their treatment decisions. Of course I’m not saying to be thoughtless and careless to others if you have cancer or something like that, but worrying about others is already a natural anxiety that comes with the process. Everyone’s feelings are valid and should be sensitively attended to! But, the sick person’s holds a priority consideration, for a time. Again, I’m speaking in generalities, but the responsibility of the the grieving and healing process is on the person grieving, not the person who passed. (I mean this with compassion and empathy, of course!) Anyway, again I mean this all kindly and just wanted to mention this to people who it may be relevant to, or to people who may have interpreted it a certain way. I ’m sorry about the loss of your loved ones- all of your grief, sadness, anger, etc is all valid and understandable. I hope you can find peace within it all, and wishing you and those affected by the loss healing and peace. May they live on in your fondest memories of them. Edited- spelling and clarity

[@nickybeingnicky]

Glad you're here Hank. I've watched you since I was a sophomore in high-school. I'm now 26 years old.

[@myrphie]

Tim Minchin’s “Storm” is very apropos here. Especially the line “Do you know what they call alternative medicine that’s been proven to work? Medicine!”

[@jargoggle]

thank you for being a constant activist for education. respect and love♡

[@lauroralei]

Someone at work yesterday started talking about apricot kernels for cancer and I may have gone on a small rant about how "health gurus" etc can use small amounts of technical out-of-context truth to cause huge amounts of harm to vulnerable desperate populations. I wish more people understood that we can have "complementary medicine" - not "alternate". Use the supplements and remedies that help with health and side effects, sure, BUT ALSO take the chemo

[@VinnieHarned]

As someone who has spent a lot of time trying to separate the bunk from "natural" remedies, I'm amazed by how patient you've been. I frequently have a hard time giving proponents of some folks the benefit of the doubt when it comes to pseudoscience stuff, but you've repeatedly given me something to emulate when trying to push back on some of my family's more off-shore beliefs.

[@rachaelpowles8902]

Thank you for this video and welcome to curly hair life!

[@SJ_fornow]

Wearing your socks, drinking your coffee, smelling of your soap and shampoo, and happy that for once my comfort helps someone else. Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@sweetpea02]

As a hospital pharmacist...thank you, thank you, thank you 🙏 for this! Cancer sucks, and watching patients (and their families) fall victim to some of the misinformation spread online is beyond disheartening. This is why trusted science educators like you are so very important. I appreciate you so much.

[@jennifersaar1611]

You, sir, are as eloquent and on the nose as usual. I have nothing to add to the conversation, so instead I will just marvel at the fact that chemo has somehow given you John's hair.

[@Savanatarot]

Thankyou for educating even during your worst time in your life. You chose to take the worst thing ever to happen to you and turn it into a learning opportunity for billions of people. That character makes you a priceless role model for us all. Thankyou

[@DissociatedWomenIncorporated]

I received the wonderful news yesterday that, after chemo and radiotherapy, my mum’s uterine cancer has shrank from a big old stage 3 tumour to virtually nothing, and that shrinkage was discovered in the MRI they took _before_ giving her brachytherapy. She can barely get out of bed, she’s spending most of her time asleep, and on the phone she sounded like she’d just caught ten colds at once… but once she recovers from the rather intense chemo/radio/brachy they gave her, things are looking great. I’d been so worried, she was born just a few months before WW2 ended so she’s slightly too old to be a boomer (she’s a silent, I guess) and I really thought this might be it for her. Best Christmas present I could have asked for!

[@HexerPsy]

Awesome news! The full set for uterine cancer is a tough treatment to go through, good on her! A tip from my experience in the field of cancer treatment: during and after treatment it can be hard for some friend/family to approach a patient undergoing cancer treatment. Most people mean well, but just dont know what to do, say, or how to talk about it - then stay away, and dont know how to reconnect. It can be frustrating, but thats just how it is. After your mom recovers her energy, it can be a good time to make the first step to reconnect to some such friends/relatives. They tend not to know how to make the first step. Hope its of use to you! All the best during the recovery and follow ups!

[@DissociatedWomenIncorporated]

@@HexerPsy thank you, I’ll try to pass that on to her ❤️ she has, understandably, been in a lot less contact with me these past few months since the treatment started, so that’s probably also true at least for her other non-local friends and family.

[@sunshineloved]

My grandpa died at 50 years old because he decided to treat his cancer with coffee enemas instead of chemo. Left my dad without a father in his twenties and I have very few memories of him because I was so young.

[@mymemeplex]

As long as you tell your Cancer docter which supplements you're taking. Because some don't play nice with the medicine.