Herbal Remedies Not a Substitute for Traditional Breast Cancer Treatment, Warns WRHA Clinical Coordinator
ST JAMES, Jamaica— Amidst growing concerns over late-stage breast cancer diagnoses, Dr. Delroy Fray, Clinical Coordinator at the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), has issued an important advisory to the public: herbal medicines should not be relied upon as a sole treatment for breast cancer.
In a statement to JIS News, Dr. Fray highlighted the troubling trend of patients opting for alternative treatments, such as herbal remedies, in lieu of early diagnosis and conventional medical care. This choice, he warned, could be detrimental to patient outcomes, as evidenced by a recent five-year Yale University study on cancer treatments.
The study found that patients who relied solely on alternative treatments faced a death rate five times higher than those who undertook conventional treatments. Furthermore, the study indicated that a combination of conventional and alternative methods proved more effective.
Dr. Fray acknowledged that while herbal remedies might serve as a complementary option, they should not replace established treatments like radiation therapy. "Many patients detect early signs and choose herbal solutions, but these do not provide the necessary therapeutic benefits on their own," Dr. Fray emphasized.
Beyond treatment choices, Dr. Fray also addressed several misconceptions surrounding breast cancer screening procedures, such as mammograms. He dispelled the myth that mammograms could cause cancer, stressing the lack of scientific evidence supporting such claims. Additionally, he reassured the public on the safety of radiation levels used in screenings, underscoring their role in detecting even the smallest lesions at an early stage.
Dr. Fray also acknowledged the profound fear some women have of losing their breast, which may lead them to delay seeking help. He noted the advancements in reconstructive surgery, stating, "You can remove the breast and replace it immediately with your own tissue or an implant, minimizing the psychological impact."
Ensuring the public of the quality of care available, Dr. Fray affirmed that the Cornwall Regional Hospital is fully equipped to deliver a standard of breast cancer care comparable to that found in any First-World country.
As the region continues grappling with breast cancer challenges, Dr. Fray’s message underscores the vital importance of integrating both modern medical treatments and informed choices in the fight against this pervasive disease.
