How Much Does Chemotherapy Improve Survival?

[@joehowell9058]

I always watch and I don't ever comment but these last two videos really knocked it out the park. I got diagnosed with a brain tumor 7 years ago and chose no treatment and I'm still plucking away. The doctor I had at the time had me set up for chemo and radiation. I got a second opinion and a doctor that was willing to work with me on diet change and supplements. I watched too many people take the normal path and see the grave a lot earlier than I thought they should have.

[@heathergrahame9647]

Thanks for commenting and wishing you the best in your recovery

[@cristianherrera1379]

I am in a similar situation... and I'm trying to get the money from somewhere. Because I have to pay for that "coaching" or treatment. Where I am money is a problem... nice to read that you could better your life. Aren't there sequels?

[@Stephen-kf8um]

You must be very strong to have stood up against the cancer industry's advice.

[@mehtaaiena]

Hi Joe, What dietary changes did you make and why? I'll be thankful if you can share your insights.

[@barbaramitchell9619]

Excellent!!!!

[@frumpd63]

"$169,000 just to make you feel worse with no benefit" nicely summarizes the current American healthcare system.

[@barbaramitchell9619]

That is sad misleading by the drug companies! My sister had cancer. I was not with her when she dying. So I do not know how she really looked and felt the last 2 months. I do know she that liked her chemo for brain cancer. It reduces the tumors enough to help her think, see and walk. She lived almost 2 years after her diagnosis of metastatic cancer. Not sure where the cancer started. We lived over 2000 miles apart. Her son put her in hospice and all cancer treatment was stopped.

[@pavolhorvath7850]

Medicine is great at curing acute health problems, but terrible at curing chronic diseases that take tens of years of continuous everyday bad decisions in life. And no wonder. How would you expect to cure something in a matter of months, which took decades to develop?! Medicine does not cure illness, the body does. Medicine only supports the process.

[@Hanover-ek4jy]

@@barbaramitchell9619 it’s yes the drug companies with the cooperation and partnership of the medical establishment!

[@mandybradley3079]

Is better to not do any chemo. Most gets you before cancer takes you out. A fact.

[@TheAngryKilljoy]

I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer 5 weeks ago. A week later before I had time to process what was happening I underwent bowel resection surgery and had my ovary and fallopian tube removed. Before surgery I was told it was unlikely I would need an Ostomy but if I did it could be easily reversed within the month. Not only did I wake up with Ostomy approximately a week later I started to have stool come out from my vagina. I still haven’t been told why but was informed that any corrective needed to wait until after chemo the same goes for having my Ostomy reversed. On my own discovered that Ostomy reversal isn’t always possible and is extremely painful and long recovery process with likely life long effects and risks like permanent incontinence. Apparently undergoing chemo will greatly increase these risks along with whatever damage was done that caused my vaginal problems. The doctors are completely dismissive of my concerns and don’t even want to talk about risks. They just keep insisting this is what I need to stay alive. I don’t trust them and my goal is not to survive at any cost. I don’t want a life of constant pain and illness. I want information so I can make risk vs benefit assessment for myself. Thank you for your information!

[@bluesmoke8826]

Sorry to hear about your condition. Hopefully you have recovered

[@tommy7fun]

Prayers for you, my friend. I sure hope you're doing better.

[@amyh9554]

You will be in my thoughts. ❤ It sounds like been a scary frustrating time.

[@YaNeK92]

How are you doing a year later? Much love and thoughts sent your way!

[@apriljohnson6191]

My husband died of pancreatic cancer in 2018, so I feel like my experience on this subject might be useful. Don’t expect people to be clear headed when getting a cancer diagnosis. You’re either looking at it though rose colored glasses (We’re going to fight this) or dark colored glasses (“nothing can be done”). What we need from the medical industry (and it’s an industry now) is a rating on effectiveness of treatments, kind of like the minimort unit of another video. Only that way we can see the effectiveness. However, I’m not holding my breath on such a metric. Although the doctors and nurses who treated Paul were good and kind (save one), the problem lies in big Pharma and not the individual doctor - I’m betting they’re not even getting the whole story - and getting a diagnosis of cancer, you’re never clear to hear it.

[@Jmamelia]

IMO MDs - ESPECIALLY oncologists that earn up to 50% commission on chemo drugs prescribed - are complicit in the sham. They're greedy too.

[@apriljohnson6191]

@@Jmamelia Comission? Do you mean an actual check or kickbacks? I thought the former at least was illegal.

[@brendafosmire6519]

Thanks for your comment. My husband was killed by overdoes of Chemo which killed his immune system and then killed him. Oncologist live such a lie.

[@emmaselander2160]

@@Jmamelia Sounds awful if that's how it works in the states. Here in Sweden no doctor ever financially or otherwise benefits from choosing a specific treatment. We have national protocols based on aggregated research for each type of cancer. If a drug is too expensive, though, it may not be approved since it'd cost to much for the hospitals. It's up to doctors who make the national protocols to determine if the benefit outweighs the cost, so it's in their best interest to choose wisely.

[@Cat_Woods]

What really irks me is how much the pharmaceutical industry and insurance industries are calling the shots on what doctors prescribe. It's pure corruption.

[@MsJaymeC]

I had already decided if I ever developed cancer, chemo would be my last option. I watched my mom struggle through it. She had an aggressive form of Lung Cancer. When it came back for the third time, they gave her a "New, Improved" chemo. One dose landed her in the hospital, sick, toxic, and mentally unstable (she attacked her nurses). She never recovered. She died within the month. Her system just shut down. I decided than and there, if I was going to go out, I'd rather go out with dignity. The only plus side was we didn't have to pay for it. The Canadian health care system will kill you with the cure for free.

[@kazuoua]

Not really "free" but it's a hidden cost, you actually have no idea how much you're paying for your healthcare whether it's in taxes, inflation or at the expense of overworking your medical staff. Not to say it's anything better in the US where the cost is even more obscure and nobody knows what they're paying for.

[@MsJaymeC]

@@kazuoua there's always someone who has to point that out. Why is that? Does it make you feel superior? Do you feel better having explained the obvious to someone? Do you really think people don't realize it's covered by taxes?

[@kazuoua]

@@MsJaymeC it's not only taxes, it's hidden in other places and it's a bigger problem than people give it credit for. When you introduce artificial barriers between consumers and producers, it completely distorts the prices and disrupts the markets of not only that industry but everything on its sphere of influence. I would not find the need to point this out if people realized how this affects the free market and rightfully denounced it when criticizing the failures of a country's economy but that's not what happens, people blame capitalism, free markets and human greed, then they suggest more government interference as the solution when it's in fact the root cause of the problem which again, people are unaware and put me in a position where I feel the need to point it out.

[@Jodamo]

Libertarian ideological claptrap. Health care is not a free market.

[@kazuoua]

@@Jodamo Exactly! As of today, there is no country in which healthcare is truly a free market. Specially not in the US. Any faults of a healthcare system today are not because of free markets but because of the socialist and/or mandated systems that distort prices and make everything expensive, scarce and shoddy. Sometimes the price is monetary (most obvious) but other times it's spiritual. For example, as government centralizes and oversees the healthcare industry, there is less people excited or able to work as doctors, nurses or in a pharmaceutical industry (which is a VERY risky business). I think more than the monetary cost, this is truly the most tragic price we pay when we force people and prevent them from freely producing and trading to fulfill their aspirations and goals.

[@kiltedcripple]

I've been working to improve my diet and activity level after a bout of diverticulitis last year and this channel has both informed those changes and inspired diligence to make more. Thank you! The more I can do to avoid another hospital stay is time and effort well spent.

[@kiwifruitnz]

I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma nearly 7 years ago and was started on chemotherapy the following week. A year later my cancer returned with a vengeance and I had an autologous stem cell transplant, again requiring more chemotherapy. Now all these years later, I feel in great health. I just want to give another side of the story

[@leftyfourguns]

I think Leukemia and Lymphoma are supposed to be some of the most favorable cancers to treat with chemotherapy. This video was specifically mentioning cancers like pancreatic or colon which unfortunately don't seem to respond well.

[@dirusj4006]

@@leftyfourguns Leukemia was where Chemo got its start.

[@eileenkast4982]

Thank you for doing that. I really feel for my patients that go through this garbage, especially for breast cancer it’s just awful what they go through

[@sharit7970]

Yikes! Scary stuff...this was an eye opener... thanks for doing the research and posting

[@Sarahhh_Klein]

It all depends on the type of cancer and the stage. Aside from chemo there a lots of new therapies, targeted therapies for example. I dont think I would take chemo and I agree with what you’re saying about chemo however my opinion is that this video doesn’t paint a fair picture of all the therapies that exist. There are therapies that are effective, there are types and stages of cancer where survival has majorly improved compared to 50 years ago. You do mention this but it’s not really the focus of the video and it comes across as if overall there is no point for anybody to get treated.

[@trevorregay9283]

yes, there is an element of what you say in this vid......and it does make one question the medical establishment's agenda....and whether you should seek their help or not.....or if you can trust them....

[@Valerian1218]

You might be interested in work of Vinay Prasad, MD MPH, and particularly his book "Malignant."

[@kazuoua]

It does come across as the message: "Don't trust your doctor when he recommends you a cancer therapy, virtually nothing works for most cancers and you should just focus on enjoying the last days of your life and maaaaybe become vegan because this is a vegan channel".

[@Sarahhh_Klein]

@@Valerian1218 is this a variant of bad pharma by ben goldacre

[@moseslmpg]

I'm interested in the research on those therapies as well. One thing I've often found annoying about NF videos is that they sometimes amount to: "Well, if you have any disease, just eat WFPB and it will be better. If you got that disease while eating WFPB, then...do better?" I want to know what the best available balance of evidence says about actual treatments for those that WFPB isn't a magic bullet. Yes chemotherapy sucks, I think most viewers had that intuition already. But what's the alternative? (Rhetorical; I want to see actual rigorous studies, not random suggestions on youtube) Maybe it's just a pet peeve of mine though.

[@Schnelllll]

Cancer is a business, not a disease! 2.1 months longer while suffering - no thank you! Great information Dr Greger 🙂

[@gallectee6032]

That is the median, I am assuming. You do have to consider the outliers on both ends. For example, if 10% of cases can make it over the 5 year mark, but the group added together as a whole only makes it several months longer, that cost and side effects might be something you would be willing to take on the offchance that you could be one of those outliers.

[@blacksolidChrome]

@@gallectee6032 Thank you!! you are exactly right.

[@Schnelllll]

@@gallectee6032 I hear you and everyone has to make that decision for themselves. Personally I would focus more on nutrition and turn to modalities like hyperbaric ozone therapy. 🙂 Last week my coworker finished her last chemo for pancreatic cancer and she said she's done with it either way. Her weight is now 98lb after having blisters in her mouth from chemo and not being able to keep anything down for a week...

[@MinhTuan-gn9xp]

@@gallectee6032 lol how do you know if you are the good outliers? By your life?

[@janedough6575]

My father had pancreatic cancer. We learned chemo doesn’t help this, but the doctors at the VA convinced him he needed to do it. Then they made him get a flu shot. Six months from diagnosis to death.☹️

[@cindyaadams]

Thank you for venturing into territory few are willing to brave, Dr. Greger!! Invaluable information! We sooo appreciate you! NutritionFACTS we all need to know!

[@vintagelaidbackhippie465]

Amen!

[@heathergrahame9647]

Very well said. This is a video all doctors should watch. And then get them to watch a few videos on how staying away from carcinogenic chemicals and improving diet significantly reduces the likelihood of developing cancer.

[@Analyse_US]

Thanks for having the courage to publish this video. Super useful information, and aligns with my personal experiences.

[@tonynes3577]

Amazing.. so here goes. I think I'm going on a plant based diet due to possible prostate cancer.

[@tnijoo5109]

When I went vegan I wish I had known about overnight oats and putting in hemp seeds, chia seeds, and ground flax seeds. Soaking them helps make them digestible and it’s a good source of omega fatty acids and protein in the morning. And they’re really good for cancer. Good luck to you!

[@yuppers1]

Best of luck. Please also get coach or try to implement as much as you can of the Gerson program. At the very least, removing the majority of the methionine from your diet will help a lot (mostly found in large concentrations in animal products, especially chicken). There are cancer survivors out there who have done this- you come across their stories sometimes. I'd suggest reaching out and getting info on what they did, and also seeing if they hired a coach.

[@YaNeK92]

How are you going 2 years later? I've been vegan for over 7 years and have been doing my best to influence my family to follow in the same direction although it hasn't been easy. My Dad was also dealing with prostate issues and is currently undergoing chemo for a lymphoma as we speak. My goal is to have him completely healed with powerful natural interventions once he comes out of the hospital and do my absolute best to help. It's a bit challenging since I'm in Australia and he's in Poland right now as well. Anyway, I'm wishing you all the best and hope your healing journey is going great, much love brother ❤️💯😎💪🏼

[@KYLE-zo4bm]

thats pretty mind blowing i definitely wouldn't go through all that just an extra few weeks

[@pmw3839]

Outrageous. All those people put through that torture for so little benefit. And not even being given accurate information, so that they can make their own choice. There should be some regulatory government department to advocate for the patient, and prevent big pharma exploiting them to make money. I hope that someone from a cancer patient’s family sues them big time, for misrepresentation.

[@krishnaveganathar]

I’ve seen several people killed by Chemotherapy. It’s horrific. Palliative care is a better option.

[@joecaner]

If I ever I am ever diagnosed with cancer, I've got to get my hands on some of them there sugar pills.

[@Theo-1984]

Dr. Gregor's next book may be about cancer and longevity.

[@joecaner]

@@Theo-1984 SPOILER ALERT: It's probably going to have something about refraining from ingesting carcinogens and replacing them with foods high in nutritional benefits...

[@jefflebowski918]

Funny you mention sugar, recent studies on tea and coffee show that adding 1 tsp sugar per cup can help you live longer. Artificial sweeteners didn't have the same effect. Sugar does NOT cause cancer as some suggest.

[@Theo-1984]

Do you have a source?

[@joecaner]

@@jefflebowski918 La Dolce Vita! I heard say that a spoonful for a sugar helps the medicine go down, but I never imagined that a spoonful of sugar actually being the medicine. Go figure! Si, si...a source would be lovely if you can post a reference to that particular study.

[@happycook6737]

Thank you Dr. Greger! This is important information to know. I'm a Uterine cancer survivor of 18 months. Caught early with no lymph node involvement. All related organs surgically removed. I went unprocessed whole foods plant based no added fat/oil, no added sugars/sweeteners, mostly no added salt thanks to your nutritional research reviews. You are a wellness superhero. Thank you for your life's work! 🤗👏🏆

[@Jmamelia]

I thought 5 years was the time for being a cancer survivor?

[@happycook6737]

@@Jmamelia At 5 years if no recurrence the patient is "in remission". As long as the patient draws a breath they are a "cancer survivor". We have cancer survivors at the hospice for palliative care. The oncologist made a huge, big stinking deal explaining the distinction to me yesterday when I simply asked, "After 5 years will I be a cancer survivor?" 😂 I told the oncologist, "I get it. I'm a survivor and at 5 year mark, I will be a "remission". Lol it's all semantics and PC talk in my opinion. But I gotta say I'm looking forward to the 5 year time because always in the back of my mind is "What if ...". My employer even turned me down for a position saying he wanted someone in that role longterm. Made me feel humiliated and betrayed by my own body. As I was sitting in the exam room yesterday, I heard the patient in the next room get very bad news. It made me cry 😭 because I felt so sorry and scared for her since her cancer came back. Life is precious and every day is an unguaranteed gift. 🤗

[@mandybradley3079]

Brilliant and humble man. He will have a front seat in heaven with all of his truth. God bless him.

[@jonm7888]

I've wondered if the treatment was worth it after watching both of my wives parents die of cancer. Thanks for the information.

[@markjones2453]

That's awesome that you explained this thank you

[@RobSpiderBJJ]

Is there information on efficacy of surgery for colorectal cancer (removing the entire colon and using colostomy bag)?

[@kukensson]

Loved seeing more of Michael this episode

[@lisac.9393]

Thank you, Dr. Greger!

[@Mistral434]

I'm willing to bet that the majority of doctors who work with cancer patients also don't know this. They tend to be the "study study study" types who have strong memory recall, but as far as big-picture, right-brained thinking, they may be below average. They know what they were taught, what they read from authority-verified sources, often written by pharmaceutical industry representatives with great incentives to downplay dangers and overplay benefits, guiding the medical establishment away from more natural approaches that may be more effective and have little to no side effects, or perhaps even have positive side effects. Unlike their products which invariably are loaded with negative side effects. As for cancer, I'd like to think we in the plant-based lifestyle community are aware of all the research that diet alone can be used to combat nearly every illness out there. I do wish there were more research on fruit consumption, though. In my experience, one meal of day of primarily fruit (at least 500 calories) can boost your health to such an extent that you never get sick, with anything, ever. Assuming you maintain a minimum of basic complimentary health practices like getting adequate sleep, not binging on alcohol, avoiding processed foods, sun exposure, etc.

[@tnijoo5109]

Too much sugar in fruits can be a problem unless you balance with fat and protein.

[@janedough6575]

One meal a day of fruit is fasting. Fasting can cause autophagy and clean out the garbage in your body. But you can’t do it forever, eventually your body needs building materials, not just constant cleaning.

[@livefromplanetearth]

thank you for fighting for transparency doc

[@cl2212]

My mom's going through chemo right now and I can't bear to share this with her.. she thinks it's going to cure her

[@barbaramitchell9619]

Sorry you are going through this!!!! I pray you have others to lean on!

[@YaNeK92]

How are you and your Mom going 2 years later? Belief is a very strong force so I sincerely hope that he thoughts alone and willingness to fight it made her pull through.

[@DrCorassaSaudeFrugal]

thanks always Dr. greger. we all know that, but its good that we have the research summed it up!

[@MakeMeThinkAgain]

This was an exceptional video. I suspected a lot of this but it was great to see it confirmed. Unrelated, I have a suggestion for a very specific and practical episode. We all know that "processed foods" are not great, but I would love to see a nutritional evaluation of Amy's plant-based frozen meals. Do they have any nutritional value? Are they at least better than other frozen foods?

[@tnijoo5109]

They’re full of sugar. It’s ridiculous. It honestly makes me angry how unbalanced they are under a facade of being healthy. I always try to balance fat and protein and carbs (around 25,25,50% calories) and times I’ve had Amy’s frozen meals they are ridiculously sweet and nothing close to a healthy balance. I usually cook my own food but sometimes need these frozen things when traveling and I’ll never buy Amy’s again unless there’s absolutely nothing else.

[@sarashann]

@@tnijoo5109 What do you choose when you travel?

[@tnijoo5109]

@@sarashann if you’re looking for something you can microwave, most Targets carry tattooed chef’s Vegan Hemp Bowl. It’s not organic, but it’s the best option I’ve found that has enough protein and isn’t full of sugar. You can add some organic nutritional yeast flakes by Loov (I order on Amazon) bring a ziplock bag of it with you. Full of b vitamins that will help you sleep.💤💤 nice to have if you get to your room late and need to eat and sleep immediately. Also, I sometimes put organic old fashioned oats with a little ground flax seed, chia seeds, dried goji berries, and hemp seeds in a ziplock bag and then you can just add water for overnight oats. Let soak at least 4 hours. Or if almond milk isn’t hard to get, that’s my preference. But it’s a sort of easy way to know you’ve got breakfast covered and it will keep you satiated for a long time.

[@sarashann]

Thanks! Great suggestions!

[@Battery-kf4vu]

If people overestimate the effect of the treatment, that might create a positive placebo effect. Some say that remaining optimistic during cancer treatment helps.

[@ShhheilaASMR]

i think placebo only works on symptoms that are as an effect of mental translation (i can't find the word in my head haha...) ie, pain and itchiness. not physical ones like bruising or hives for example.

[@Battery-kf4vu]

@@ShhheilaASMR I think it can affect the immune system. You can do a search for this: Placebo Effects on the Immune Response in Humans: The Role of Learning and Expectation I'd be curious to know if that kind of effect could be induced by hypnosis.

[@ShhheilaASMR]

@@Battery-kf4vu @Battery9876 actually i am recalling a study of music having and effect on immunity but perhaps its the lowering of cortisol that does it. i've also been looking at hypoxia training and cold showers in having a similar immune boosting effect.

[@emmaselander2160]

@@ShhheilaASMR Placebo vang affect even very "physical" (put in citation because there's really no hard and fast difference between physical and mental, all part of the same body) conditions. Wound can heal faster, for example. We don't know exactly how this works but how we think about things definitely affects neurotransmittal response, which can affect every cell in the body. Think about it that way it's really not surprising.

[@Theo-1984]

My father died of lymphoma. But it would be more accurate to say he died due to being too weakend by a sceptic shock. His toilet during chemo was broken and he had to use the guest toilet. This most likely led to him having a sceptic shock. After being in a coma for a few weeks he never really recovered. No one ever told us that chemo wouldn't cure him.

[@happycook6737]

I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. 😭🙏💐

[@Theo-1984]

Thank you. Time heals all wounds. I'll let time do its magic.

[@YaNeK92]

My thoughts are with you and thank you for sharing that ❤️ My Dad was dealing with prostate issues and is currently undergoing chemo for a lymphoma as we speak. My goal is to have him completely healed with powerful natural interventions once he comes out of the hospital and do my absolute best to help. It's a bit challenging since I'm in Australia and he's in Poland right now as well. Anyway, I'm wishing you all the best and hope you're doing great! Much love brother 💯🫂

[@Claire-.-]

Changing your diet can save your life. Fasting can speed healing.

[@Shadefecator]

An honest question: doesn't the results mirror the fact that most patients are old and/or multi-sick and therefore die quickly after the therapies, whereas a younger person would have a higher rate of long-term survivability after chemo? Sort of like the reverse of how life expectency was rather low due to a high death rate of infants.

[@Dirgis-66]

true but 99% of cancer patients are old and sick. They die of everthing else but cancer. Lifestyle changes would be much more effective, not to mention cheap. You dont even get patients to participate in an exercise programme. We have tried. It is disheartening.

[@Valerian1218]

Studies of this nature would account for age, co-occurring illnesses, etc. They are known as "confounding factors," and any results stated would be "net of" or despite of such factors.

[@jonnenne]

That is true to some extent but we should not accept some shitty results just because many of these people are beyond help. However, in most cases the weak patients should also be dying on them own and if the group getting treatment dies more, the differences have been controlled. The patient groups im general should be as similar as possible.

[@MrDarrylR]

Dutch scientists did a study on competing causes of death, and found that if we eliminated all cancer from the population, it would extend expected lifespans by less than 4 years. The gain from eliminating all cardiovascular disease from the population was similar. jech.bmj.com/content/jech/53/1/32.full.pdf Younger people may benefit more, older less. And I happen to believe that we individuals and as a society should make those decisions, even if profit-driven medicine won't. Otherwise, we'll keep poisoning our elders (at the expense of their savings wellbeing) for little benefit, except to those in pharma and hospital boardrooms and their stockholders.

[@adiposerex5150]

Prescription Drugs are the 3rd highest killer.

[@TransWaveMusic]

Where is the FDA link with the small Median 2.1 month average life extension? - Thank you

[@Rend2be]

God bless you Michael Greger !

[@kindcounselor]

I totally trust Dr. Greger.

[@Stephen-kf8um]

Are the results as dire for radiotherapy?

[@FatherLego1986]

How about chemo to prevent recurrence rather than as a treatment for the cancer?

[@tnijoo5109]

Wondering this too.

[@kashavasilescurealtorlosan5023]

Chemo drugs are carcinogenic and cause cancers to return. That’s why so many people being treated have their cancers coming back.

[@leftyfourguns]

This can be an effective treatment for blood related cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myloma, etc. Chemo and other drugs can allow you to essentially treat them as chronic diseases for many years.

[@sandrasinayuk]

But what do you suggest instead? My mom has been on/off chemo for the last 6 years with recurrent stage 4 ovarian cancer (originally given 2-3 years to live). Carboplatin/paclitaxel/bevacizumab. Tried a bunch of clinical trials. But now she’s tired of all the appointments and considering MAiD.

[@olabanas7658]

Thank you!

[@tnijoo5109]

So, this is just about the new chemo drugs approved over the past 12 years? Are the older chemo drugs better? I’m assuming they must be. Could you do a video that talks about ALL of the chemo drugs out there? This video makes it seem like it’s about all chemo drugs but I guess it’s only about the new ones. Really wish this was more clear.

[@davidtrindle6473]

“Statistically significant” does not mean “actually significant.”

[@maxgluteus4263]

I agree that some of the cancer drug's efficacy are questionable. But why the insurance company will pick up the bill then? The cost mentioned in the video are before the insurance, it can't be out of pocket cost, if you have insurance.

[@brendafosmire6519]

Thank you for this important and honest video. My husband was killed by Chemo drugs. He could of lived a year or more longer but Chemo killed him.

[@Shefnerator]

Very sorry for your loss.

[@pandabar2869]

I think doctors tell the patients their chances if they ask. If they don't ask they might not want to know it to keep hope.

[@ResidualSelfImage]

Chemotherapy Trial performance is rated a 1 year 3 years and 5 years. Survival rate often depends on age - the younger the age the better results.

[@felipeherrerasalinas9488]

Quemo was designed and tested with hematological cancers not solid tumors, the reason that is used for solid tumors is beyond me.

[@michaelmappin1830]

Capitalism is about profit, not human well-being or need. "The essence of capitalism, its raison d'être, is not to build democracy, or help working people, or save the environment, or build homes for the homeless. Its goal is to convert nature into commodities and commodities into capital, to invest and accumulate, transmuting every part of the world into its own image for its own realization. The modern capitalist imperative is simply to create more money for idle investors by any means possible. This growth is often enabled by predation on the publicly-held resources that represents real value, thereby diminishing the community's ability to sustain itself in the long run. Forests are clear-cut; public utilities are privatized; social programs are gutted; and so on. The net result is that the quality of life for the vast majority of the world's citizens has declined." ~ Michael Parenti

[@jefflebowski918]

I wish health professionals would be honest with us about the meds they prescribe us, sadly they are a cog in the system and benefit from pharmaceutical companies.

[@smallfootprint2961]

Interesting.

[@deconcoder]

Total insanity that science cries about people not wanting to listen to reality, and this is the de jure way they do business. The ending was perfect.

[@tedteddy1802]

Exactly Thank you Dr. Gregor why in the world with anybody say yes to chemo is above me knowing all the facts annoying all the information that’s out there on chemotherapy you gotta be seriously out of your mind.

[@emmaselander2160]

With some types of cancer (such as childhood leukemia) you have almost no chance of survival without, and a high came with chemo. In those cases you'd be out of your mind not to have it. Saying all chemo is bad is oversimplifying a complex issue.

[@jim348]

Good

[@yt_takamineyt_takamine3711]

Some people choose to not do chemotherapy if they get cancer again they’d rather just die…… these are real life stories, prepare and plan for your health, people who fight cancer are tougher than us

[@AndrewPawley11]

Extraordinary

[@adamd9418]

So the average benefit to survival is about 2 months? All the more reason to take care of yourself in every way possible so that one isn't left with such a bleak outlook. I really do hope that medical treatment for cancer becomes viable and effective, but we just aren't anywhere close to that happening.

[@Jmamelia]

That's because with have a symptom management system, not a healing healthcare system. It's about profit and money in politics. That's why the U.S. system sucks

[@FreedomFighterz215]

testicular cancer 5-y survival rate is 98% (not 37%) and standard treatment is chemo/surgery

[@gallectee6032]

Depressing. Our abilities are still very primitive.

[@expressoyourself1317]

Truth!

[@maxgluteus4263]

In this case I think they have dubious benefit that can persuade FDA and insurance company, and consumer has no other choice.

[@Hanover-ek4jy]

Absolutely depressing!

[@maxgluteus4263]

I think the contentions are high cost and efficacy. For The efficacy, I think the pharma world is incapable since cancer is not easy, and too risky economically to develop a completely new drug, me too products are much safer. For the high cost, I don't know about the cost structure, the drug itself, some of them are really cheap. I think the insurance company negotiated price is lot less than mentioned.

[@JenDoe1]

I had to watch my sister, who was dx with pancreatic cancer, go through absolute hell. It was so horrific that I told myself I’d never stay around to suffer like she did.

[@heathergrahame9647]

That's very sad. Sending my love to you.

[@learntechgrow4777]

Messed up the system has many people in

[@sirgio777]

Should cancer patients eat fruits?

[@jageo48]

*As in downplaying the risks of the clot-shots*

[@Carl_455]

I've read that many cancer survivors are using medical cannabis as a holistic remedy instead of chemotherapy, like Olivia Newton - John for her breast cancer. It would be interesting to compare outcomes of chemo vs cannabis.

[@davidhutchinson5233]

Thank you Dr. Greger. I've always thought chemo was a bit overrated. Not that it doesn't work for some maladies....but this overarching research does show us what the real truth is.

[@vintagelaidbackhippie465]

My husband said no to cancer "treatment" his doctor said bye bye and good luck. He was at peace with his choice and spent the next 4 months at home being loved with no adverse side effects. In Jesus there is eternal life after death we fully believe. He was not afraid and we spent every minute in Gods grace until it was time. I will meet my best friend again in Heaven this i know to be true. In Christ we are never alone and having faith over fear is quite peaceful to the body, mind, spirit and soul. Thank you for sharing the honest truth with us all Dr Gregor no matter what. Love you God Bless all with His grace, peace and love

[@trevorregay9283]

I agree......obviously most people want to live a long productive life. Death is not an easy fate to accept, but of course, we all must face it. For those of us who understand Christ, accepting death might be easier than others, but in my humble opinion is still not without some trepidation. Fearing the next step is something that is part of our God given nature and overcoming this fear while being offered alternatives of hope is a difficult decision for one to make.

[@happycook6737]

😭🙏💐

[@killthestereotype4601]

I'm loosing a good friend, because the chemotherapy are eating his muscle, and now the doctors can't do anything about it, they poisoned him.

[@tnijoo5109]

I’m confused by this video. There must be some chemo treatments that really do help though, right?????

[@gardenboots7464]

FOLLOW THE $$$$$ :(

[@RobertBadgett]

I don’t think such a blanket condemnation of chemotherapy is helpful. My wife's first dx of breast cancer was in 2004. Finished all surgeries and chemo in 2006. Dx of metastatic breast cancer in 2015. Stats at that time showed survival of 2.5 years. Oncologist stressed that MBC is treatable but not curable. Wife did go through some awful side effects but she kept going back for more chemo. She died in August 2021...about 6 years after MBC dx.

[@MsJaymeC]

there's always going to be those who actually win the chemo lottery. I'm glad your wife got 6 years.

[@Hanover-ek4jy]

Robert I believe he is giving facts not opinion. It’s not a blanket condemnation it’s real factual truth! I wish your family all the best!

[@Mediaright]

@@Hanover-ek4jy There's lies, damn lies, and statistics.

[@Hanover-ek4jy]

@@Mediaright please expand that thought process

[@TheSpikyCantelope]

@@Mediaright ok you know a famous phrase, that’s not an argument

[@markthomasson5077]

Yes only 1 in a hundred, but maybe when it comes to it you will take the chance you are that one.

[@patty-cf7jj]

I see my comment about asking about the Covid vaccine was deleted. Dr Gregor covers all areas of health and evidence based studies. I don’t think what I asked was controversial. Isn’t this what he does?

[@amyh9554]

Omgosh?! How awful! To go broke and get no benefits at all.😢

[@defenderoftheadverb]

Oncolitic viruses?

[@DrRussPhd]

Capitalism, baby!! It works so well and this video is the proof. Almost.

[@cybrarian9]

Honestly sir, I wish your speech patterns and tone of voice would at least be altered to allow for a very sensitive subject as what happens with chemotherapy. I do enjoy listening to you, know that you mean extremely well and are very sincere, and feel all that you have to offer is so incredibly essential. But I find your speech patterns and tone of voice to sometimes be not always appropriate for a subject as people whose lives are hinging on what kind of trial drug they think that might help their lives live one moment longer. Granted, these new drugs are usually false hopes and short-lived hopes at best, but even one more moment alive we hope beats the alternative. If doctors are falsifying the expectations, that's a different story.

[@Jmamelia]

For YOU, it's one more moment alive. Not everyone is a good soldier and follows doctor's orders NO MATTER WHAT. Some value quality of life over quantity. You're criticizing his speech pattern because you only see one treatment- allopathic cut, burn and poison. Strange.

[@cybrarian9]

@@Jmamelia, I'm well aware that taking drugs that will lead my quality of life to be less than I would desire, perhaps being addlepated and demented and/or weak and frail and bedridden, etc., is not ideal. But maybe it helps give my loved ones a chance to settle up with me and my existing life, maybe to see me just once alive and breathing even if I'm not the person they used to know. Personal agency is important, but we can't always be thinking just of ourselves. I am discussing his speech pattern because at times it's hard to deal with, but it's especially difficult on a sensitive subject. You may take personal offense to my comment, and that's you right. But it wasn't directed at you. I've had to deal with people just before they died in a variety of situations, so please don't speak to me about "me." I've had to work through other people's decisions about themselves as well as a father who became a "vegetable" due to a medical malpractice issue, so kindly be more kind to others.

[@trevorregay9283]

this is rather depressing information.....it would appear its ALL about the money rather than the quality of life....I suppose offering people some hope is not a bad thing, but its not exactly being forthright about it......I understand trying to keep a positive attitude; however preying of people's emotions is.....well....simply EVIL!

[@doddsalfa]

America in a nutshell

[@om-nj2hw]

So what is one supposed to do? Don't want to just be left with some random "guru" on KZbin...or random advice from someone who may have beat it, we really don't know the truth about these people, or what kind of cancer they actually had etc

[@bluesmoke8826]

Especially the ones that never respond to simple questions about their treatment

[@CoffeeRoamer]

sad that doctor himself posts such videos pushing people for "alternate" medicines... the data is fine, it is tooooo generic, for example the last slide is for age> 20.. obviously the numbers should be seen for 20-40, 40-60 and over 60 age groups SEPERATELY. other variables are type, staging, quality of care, etc........ . this video is BIASED in my opinion

[@trevorregay9283]

yeah, better details to get better context would be nice........it would be curious to see if age is a factor in the survival....along with the stage of cancer......rather than an overall viewpoint....

[@moseslmpg]

He doesn't push for any alternate or "alternative" treatments at all in this video. And in fact, that's often one of my criticisms of Dr. Greger's work: a lot of time it is too generalized or preventive focused to determine what one should practically do if one actually gets sick. (I know, talk to our magical lifestyle medicine practitioner who is up to date on all the research and available in our area and covered by insurance) As for accusations of bias, the studies are available for every video. His goal is present the best available balance of evidence, and the goal of this series was to show that chemotherapy effectiveness is systematically "oversold" and "under-delivers", especially compared to popular understanding of it, and that seems to be generally true. Whether the data are applicable to one specific group or individual is the eternal question in medicine, and I don't expect him to be able to answer here or anywhere else. Science will always be incomplete, so you work with what you have. That's something to discuss with your (mythical affordable, nutritionally-educated, plant-based) physician.

[@lelaam7]

Not only it's biased ...it's spreading dangerous misinformation suggesting patients should avoid seeking standard medical care...his studies are cherry picked

[@Jmamelia]

You can do the research on the studies and report it.

[@bluesmoke8826]

​@@Jmamelia Beautifully said

[@RadimPoloch]

Why is nobody talking about how the statistics in the video are misleading? You can't say you get 2 more months of life. It's that you get for example 10% better chance of survival. In case you have cancer with a 90% chance of dying, you take this drug and have an 80% chance of dying. 80% ppl still die, and 10% more survivors live 5 years longer, let's say from 65 to 70. That will add up to those 2 months on average. So, it's not that you get 2 more months of life with this specific drug, people wouldn't go for that, it's that you might get into the survival group and you really fight for every few points of probability when you have cancer.

[@sudd3660]

cancer is natural occurring in unhealthy people and radiation exposure, and to lesser degree others. fear of dying is not the solution, neither is avaie the consequences of your choices. cancer is avoidable in most cases and are only a problem in current social and economic structure. prevention is the solution, not prolonging by a few percent the self inflikted sick. life is not life as you describe it, with fearful people living longer a sick life until they die slower. there is not future in that for anyone, we learn slower when we avoid reality and learning opportunities.

[@TheArcoiris12]

My mother survived a cancer, many years ago. She did have chemotherapy and it worked for her. She is alive and fine. It was hard, and lots of side effects, true, but it is unfair to put chemotherapy in that bad light.

[@jonnenne]

That is not the point of these videos. Many cancer treatments are effective but that doesn't mean we should accept garbage science.

[@Jmamelia]

It's not about being "fair". Do you understand how Dr Greger works? He reviews multiple legitimate studies on the same topic and then synthesizes all the information and reports it out in a video it is science in fact based it's not his opinion. It's data you can bring to the bank.

[@megeek727]

You need to watch his entire series of videos on cancer. In an earlier video on chemotherapy, he provides a short list of cancers that generally respond well to chemotherapy. Cancer is a complex subject that can not be adequately covered in a 5-6 minute video. He has a couple of dozen videos in this series on cancer. He always provides the titles of the clinical studies which you can find on the internet and read yourself for more detailed information.