Cancer care and alternative treatments
Sources
Every numbered claim on the overview and article pages is listed here with the exact passage it rests on. 65 passages were checked word-for-word against the saved copies listed below.
Current evidence
- 1
Most people have a combination of treatments, such as surgery with chemotherapy and radiation. The plan depends on the type of cancer and how advanced it is.
“But most people have a combination of treatments, such as surgery with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.”
“The types of treatment that you receive will depend on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is.”
National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Types of Cancer TreatmentPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 2
Surgery removes cancer; chemotherapy kills or stops fast-growing cells; radiation kills cancer cells and shrinks tumors; immunotherapy helps the immune system fight cancer; hormone therapy slows hormone-driven breast and prostate cancers.
“Surgery, when used to treat cancer, is a procedure in which a surgeon removes cancer from your body.”
“Chemotherapy works by killing or stopping the growth of cancer and other fast-growing cells.”
“Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.”
“Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer.”
“Hormone therapy is a treatment that slows or stops the growth of breast and prostate cancers that use hormones to grow.”
National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Types of Cancer TreatmentPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 3
A biopsy is often the only way to tell for sure whether someone has cancer.
“You may also need a biopsy, which is often the only way to tell for sure if you have cancer.”
National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — How Cancer Is DiagnosedPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 4
A raised tumor marker does not mean someone has cancer; markers are combined with biopsy or imaging to diagnose it.
“However, having an elevated level of a tumor marker does not mean that someone has cancer.”
“Therefore, measurements of tumor markers are usually combined with the results of other tests, such as biopsies or imaging, to diagnose cancer.”
National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Tumor MarkersPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 5
Blood tumor-marker tests, sometimes called liquid biopsies, have generally not worked well for screening.
“However, studies to see whether circulating tumor markers can be used to screen for cancer have generally found that these markers do not work well for screening.”
“Tests that look at tumor markers in blood and other body fluids are sometimes called liquid biopsy tests.”
National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Tumor MarkersPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 6
Newer blood tests for many cancers are being developed and marketed, but much remains to be learned about their benefits and harms.
“Although many MCD tests are in development and several are already being marketed, much remains to be learned about how best to use these tests and their harms and benefits.”
National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Tumor MarkersPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 7
Cancer cells often take up more glucose than healthy cells, which is how PET scans find cancer in the body.
“Because cancer cells often take up more glucose than healthy cells, the pictures can be used to find cancer in the body.”
National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — How Cancer Is DiagnosedPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 8
Some infections can cause cancer: high-risk HPV causes nearly all cervical cancers, and chronic hepatitis B or C can cause liver cancer.
“can cause cancer or increase the risk that cancer will form.”
“Infection with high-risk types of HPV cause nearly all cervical cancers.”
“Chronic infections with HBV or HCV can cause liver cancer.”
National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Infectious AgentsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 9
Vaccines prevent infection with the HPV types that cause most HPV-related cancers.
“Several vaccines have been developed that prevent infection with the types of HPV that cause most HPV-associated cancers.”
National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Infectious AgentsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 10
Complementary medicine is used along with standard treatment; alternative medicine is used instead of it.
“Complementary medicine is used along with standard medical treatment but is not considered by itself to be standard treatment.”
“Alternative medicine is used instead of standard medical treatment.”
National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Complementary and Alternative MedicinePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 11
Acupuncture can help manage treatment-related nausea and vomiting in people with cancer.
“Several evaluations of the evidence have concluded that acupuncture can help manage treatment-related nausea and vomiting in people with cancer.”
NCCIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Cancer and Complementary Health Approaches: What You Need To KnowPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 12
Acupuncture, mindfulness-based stress reduction and yoga may help manage cancer symptoms and treatment side effects.
“Some complementary health approaches, such as acupuncture, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and yoga, may help manage cancer symptoms and side effects of treatment.”
NCCIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Cancer and Complementary Health Approaches: What You Need To KnowPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 13
No complementary health approach has been shown to prevent or cure cancer.
“No complementary health approach has been shown to prevent or cure cancer.”
NCCIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Cancer and Complementary Health Approaches: What You Need To KnowPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 14
Unproven methods should not replace conventional treatment, because delaying cancer treatment reduces the chance of remission or cure.
“unproven methods shouldn't be used in place of conventional treatment because delayed treatment of cancer reduces the likelihood of a remission or cure.”
NCCIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Cancer and Complementary Health Approaches: What You Need To KnowPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 15
In studies, tai chi improved fatigue when added to conventional care, but not when used instead of it.
“Tai chi improved fatigue when used as an addition to conventional care (two studies) but not when used as an alternative to conventional care (two studies).”
NCCIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Cancer and Complementary Health Approaches: What You Need To KnowPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 16
Herbal supplements can have side effects, and some interact harmfully with cancer drugs.
“Herbal supplements may have side effects, and some may interact in harmful ways with drugs, including those used in cancer treatment.”
NCCIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Cancer and Complementary Health Approaches: What You Need To KnowPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 17
Some fraudulent cancer treatments are harmful in themselves; others cause harm by delaying care or interfering with proven treatment.
“Some fraudulent cancer treatments are harmful by themselves, and others can be indirectly harmful because people may delay seeking medical care while they try them, or because the fraudulent product interferes with the effectiveness of proven cancer treatments.”
NCCIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Cancer and Complementary Health Approaches: What You Need To KnowPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 18
Cesium chloride has never been proven safe and effective for cancer, and the FDA has warned consumers to avoid it because of significant safety concerns.
“Cesium chloride is sometimes promoted as an alternative treatment for cancer, but it has never been proven to be safe and effective to treat cancer or for any other use.”
“On February 5, 2020, the FDA warned consumers to avoid using dietary supplements containing cesium salts, including cesium chloride, due to significant safety concerns.”
U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Cesium Chloride in Dietary SupplementsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 19
U.S. federal regulation describes ozone as a toxic gas with no known useful medical application.
“Ozone is a toxic gas with no known useful medical application in specific, adjunctive, or preventive therapy.”
U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR 801.415) — Maximum acceptable level of ozonePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 20
The FDA says drinking MMS (chlorine dioxide) is the same as drinking bleach, and it has reports of hospitalizations and deaths.
“drinking MMS was the same as drinking bleach”
“In fact, FDA received reports of people requiring hospitalizations, developing life-threatening conditions, and even dying after drinking MMS.”
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Office of Criminal Investigations) — Leaders of “Genesis II Church of Health and Healing,” who sold toxic bleach as fake “miracle” cure, sentencedPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 21
Tell your doctor about every supplement, even vitamins, however safe it seems.
“Tell your doctor if you're taking any dietary supplements, even vitamins, no matter how safe you think they are.”
National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Complementary and Alternative MedicinePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 22
Naltrexone's listed use is to help people who have stopped alcohol or opioids reduce cravings, alongside counseling.
“Naltrexone is used along with counseling and social support to help people who have stopped drinking alcohol and using opioids to reduce cravings and help control dependence.”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — NaltrexonePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 23
The clinic's "CANCER TREATMENT" note states that cancer is caused by a virus, that a Rife machine will kill the virus inside the cell, and lists chlorine dioxide by IV, by mouth and on the skin.
“CANCER IS CAUSED BY A VIRUS. RIFE MACHINE WILL KILL THE VIRUS INSIDE THE CELL, CHLORINE DIOXIDE INTRA VENUS, ORAL, TOPICAL.”
Pakistan Institute of Medical Advancement (PIMA), Karachi — clinic document — "CANCER TREATMENT" note, clinic website and research-folder titles (private clinic document; not online)Clinic document — quoted from ProperHealth’s transcription or translation of a scan; not independently verified
- 24
The note also lists ozone therapy, a DMSO–hematoxylin "tumor shrinking treatment" and a "tumor shrinking machine".
“OZONE THERAPY”
“DMSO - HEAMATOXLYN TUMOR SHRINKING TREATMENT”
“TUMOR SHRINKING MACHINE”
Pakistan Institute of Medical Advancement (PIMA), Karachi — clinic document — "CANCER TREATMENT" note, clinic website and research-folder titles (private clinic document; not online)Clinic document — quoted from ProperHealth’s transcription or translation of a scan; not independently verified
- 25
The note lists low-dose naltrexone among its cancer treatments.
“LOW DOSE NALTREXONE”
Pakistan Institute of Medical Advancement (PIMA), Karachi — clinic document — "CANCER TREATMENT" note, clinic website and research-folder titles (private clinic document; not online)Clinic document — quoted from ProperHealth’s transcription or translation of a scan; not independently verified
- 26
It argues that cancer begins years before mainstream medicine detects it, and proposes "liquid biopsy" and tumor markers such as CA-125 and CEA in place of a tissue biopsy.
“BIOPSY: WE SHOULD USE LIQUID BIOPSY”
“CA-125, CA-135, CEA”
“CANCER START APPROXIMATELY 10 YEARS BACK, IN 5 YEARS IT COME TO A POSITION THAT MAIN STREAM MEDICINES CAN DETECT A CANCER, THEN THEY SAY HURRY LETS START TREATING.”
Pakistan Institute of Medical Advancement (PIMA), Karachi — clinic document — "CANCER TREATMENT" note, clinic website and research-folder titles (private clinic document; not online)Clinic document — quoted from ProperHealth’s transcription or translation of a scan; not independently verified
- 27
It notes that radioactive glucose will highlight cancer cells.
“USE OF RADIOACTIVE GLUCOSE WILL HIGHLIGHT CANCER CELLS.”
Pakistan Institute of Medical Advancement (PIMA), Karachi — clinic document — "CANCER TREATMENT" note, clinic website and research-folder titles (private clinic document; not online)Clinic document — quoted from ProperHealth’s transcription or translation of a scan; not independently verified
- 28
The clinic's Urdu brochure (in ProperHealth's translation) claims "90% success in cancer" without chemotherapy or biopsy, using medicines and "modern machines" in place of surgery.
“We have 90% success in cancer, and that too without chemotherapy and biopsy.”
“To destroy it without surgery, medicines proven by modern research are used, including modern machines”
Pakistan Institute of Medical Advancement (PIMA), Karachi — clinic document — Urdu trifold brochure (quoted in ProperHealth's English translation) (private clinic document; not online)Clinic document — quoted from ProperHealth’s transcription or translation of a scan; not independently verified
- 29
The clinic's website says it is dedicated to treating cancer without surgery or "harmful radiation treatments such as chemotherapy".
“Pakistan Institute of Medical Advancement International is dedicated to treating and eventually eradicating cancer without the use of surgery or harmful radiation treatments such as chemotherapy.”
Pakistan Institute of Medical Advancement (PIMA), Karachi — clinic document — "CANCER TREATMENT" note, clinic website and research-folder titles (private clinic document; not online)Clinic document — quoted from ProperHealth’s transcription or translation of a scan; not independently verified
- 30
An MMS sheet printed under the clinic's name claims improvements and "even cures" in cancer.
“Extensive case history exists showing improvements and even cures in cancer, autism, infections of all kinds, dental issues... even HIV/AIDS.”
Pakistan Institute of Medical Advancement (PIMA), Karachi — clinic document — Printed brochure set, 8 pages (pages cited individually) (private clinic document; not online)Clinic document — quoted from ProperHealth’s transcription or translation of a scan; not independently verified
- 31
The clinic's research folder includes a document titled "Dr. Sartori and High pH Therapy Cesium Chloride - A Therapy for Cancer".
“Dr. Sartori and High pH Therapy Cesium Chloride - A Therapy for Cancer”
Pakistan Institute of Medical Advancement (PIMA), Karachi — clinic document — "CANCER TREATMENT" note, clinic website and research-folder titles (private clinic document; not online)Clinic document — quoted from ProperHealth’s transcription or translation of a scan; not independently verified
- 32
A new lump, unexplained bleeding, or weight loss you cannot explain: see a doctor. Do not wait for pain.
“If you have symptoms that do not get better after a few weeks, see your doctor so that problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.”
“Often, cancer does not cause pain, so do not wait to feel pain before seeing a doctor.”
“Swelling or lumps anywhere such as in the neck, underarm, stomach, and groin”
“Bleeding or bruising, for no known reason”
“Weight gain or weight loss for no known reason”
National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Symptoms of CancerPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 33
Fever or chills during chemotherapy: call your cancer care team right away. Infections during treatment can be life-threatening.
“fever of 100.5 °F (38 °C) or higher”
“chills”
“Call your health care team if you have signs of an infection. Infections during cancer treatment can be life threatening and require urgent medical attention.”
National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer TreatmentPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 34
Vomiting you cannot stop, or no urine for many hours, during treatment: get medical care right away.
“If uncontrolled, vomiting can lead to serious health problems such as dehydration , electrolyte imbalances, and weight loss.”
National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Nausea and Vomiting and Cancer TreatmentPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 35
Vomiting you cannot stop, or no urine for many hours, during treatment: get medical care right away.
“Severe dehydration is a life-threatening emergency.”
“Not urinating, or very dark yellow or amber-colored urine”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — DehydrationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 36
Anyone who has swallowed bleach or chlorine dioxide (the FDA calls it “a powerful bleach”): call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure or has trouble breathing. After taking a cesium product, stop it and get immediate medical care.
“If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.”
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Sodium hypochlorite poisoningPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 37
Anyone who has swallowed bleach or chlorine dioxide (the FDA calls it “a powerful bleach”): call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure or has trouble breathing. After taking a cesium product, stop it and get immediate medical care.
“became chlorine dioxide, a powerful bleach typically used for industrial water treatment or bleaching textiles, pulp, and paper.”
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Office of Criminal Investigations) — Leaders of “Genesis II Church of Health and Healing,” who sold toxic bleach as fake “miracle” cure, sentencedPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 38
Anyone who has swallowed bleach or chlorine dioxide (the FDA calls it “a powerful bleach”): call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure or has trouble breathing. After taking a cesium product, stop it and get immediate medical care.
“Call a poison center at 1-800-222-1222 for expert guidance.”
“If the individual collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened: Call 911 IMMEDIATELY.”
America's Poison Centers (poison.org) — First aid: Act fast!Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
- 39
Anyone who has swallowed bleach or chlorine dioxide (the FDA calls it “a powerful bleach”): call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure or has trouble breathing. After taking a cesium product, stop it and get immediate medical care.
“Cesium salts, such as cesium chloride, are sometimes promoted as alternative treatments for cancer.”
“stop consuming the product, seek immediate medical care or advice, and report the adverse event to the FDA through the Safety Reporting Portal.”
FDA — Public Health Alert Concerning Dietary Supplements Containing Cesium ChloridePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
Source documents
- National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Types of Cancer Treatment
Saved 2026-10-21 · download · SHA-2560654d862ab29e31c… - National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — How Cancer Is Diagnosed
Saved 2026-10-21 · download · SHA-256056cfaedfbe6e63c… - National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Tumor Markers
Saved 2026-10-21 · download · SHA-256c1f9b7aed1d03abd… - National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Infectious Agents
Saved 2026-10-21 · download · SHA-2569f34e4f31b3a0491… - National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Saved 2026-10-20 · download · SHA-256b8741b9146448018… - NCCIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Cancer and Complementary Health Approaches: What You Need To Know
Saved 2026-10-20 · download · SHA-256de0c5c2a6966ea4a… - U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Cesium Chloride in Dietary Supplements
Saved 2026-10-20 · download · SHA-256d447fcd6a2125bc8… - U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR 801.415) — Maximum acceptable level of ozone
Saved 2026-10-20 · download · SHA-25617fe520dd3656681… - U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Office of Criminal Investigations) — Leaders of “Genesis II Church of Health and Healing,” who sold toxic bleach as fake “miracle” cure, sentenced
Saved 2026-10-20 · download · SHA-256e1b04d77ab61fa54… - MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Naltrexone
Saved 2026-10-21 · download · SHA-2564f1591781e9c33e6… - Pakistan Institute of Medical Advancement (PIMA), Karachi — clinic document — "CANCER TREATMENT" note, clinic website and research-folder titles (private clinic document; not online)
Saved 2026-10-21 · text taken directly from the clinic's files and website snapshot (private archive) · SHA-25626d6f24dff012334… - Pakistan Institute of Medical Advancement (PIMA), Karachi — clinic document — Urdu trifold brochure (quoted in ProperHealth's English translation) (private clinic document; not online)
Saved 2026-10-21 · ProperHealth translation from Urdu of a scanned clinic document (private archive) · SHA-2565f51c983239380d3… - Pakistan Institute of Medical Advancement (PIMA), Karachi — clinic document — Printed brochure set, 8 pages (pages cited individually) (private clinic document; not online)
Saved 2026-10-21 · ProperHealth transcription of a scanned clinic document (private archive); wording kept as printed · SHA-2560518db262b2bc902… - National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Symptoms of Cancer
Saved 2026-10-22 · download · SHA-25604bad9d07e906ace… - National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
Saved 2026-10-22 · download · SHA-2562779e8ce66aeb0d3… - National Cancer Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Nausea and Vomiting and Cancer Treatment
Saved 2026-10-22 · download · SHA-2562845bfc6c7e11479… - MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Dehydration
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-2560bf95dcc808c7c4b… - MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Sodium hypochlorite poisoning
Saved 2026-10-21 · download · SHA-2564f33e12a0406007c… - America's Poison Centers (poison.org) — First aid: Act fast!
Saved 2026-10-26 · download · SHA-2566d5d6a90743d282c… - FDA — Public Health Alert Concerning Dietary Supplements Containing Cesium Chloride
Saved 2026-10-26 · download · SHA-25601d310f84a72c758…
Safety wording awaiting sign-off
The 'When to get help now' list is ProperHealth safety wording. Each line cites the official guidance it follows, and those passages are listed above with the other claims. The wording still needs pharmacist sign-off before public use.