The Deadly Consequences: How Covid Lockdowns Drove Cancer Patients to Unproven Treatments

EXCLUSIVE: The Shocking Truth Behind Ananda Lewis' Cancer Battle: A Cautionary Tale of Alternative Medicine Gone Wrong

The world was left stunned when former MTV star Ananda Lewis passed away at age 52 after a six-year battle with breast cancer. But what's even more jaw-dropping is the revelation that her illness may have been exacerbated by the Covid-era rule that delayed her life-saving mastectomy.

In 2020, Lewis was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer and initially opted for alternative treatments like high-dose vitamins and oxygen chambers, which are not proven to treat cancer. She revealed in an interview that she was unable to get a mastectomy during lockdown because California hospitals deemed it a non-emergency procedure.

This gut-wrenching story is just one of many cautionary tales about the dangers of alternative medicine and its devastating consequences for cancer patients. According to experts, there's a growing trend of patients turning to unproven treatments like acupuncture, cryoablation, and apheresis, which can lead to delayed diagnoses, treatment disruptions, and even mortality.

The statistics are alarming: One in three cancer patients experienced disruptions in their care during the pandemic, including delays in appointments, imaging, surgery, or chemotherapy. And 44% of breast cancer patients had treatment delays – a ticking time bomb that could have far-reaching consequences for those who don't receive timely and effective treatment.

But what's driving this trend? Is it the fear of harsh side effects from traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation? The desire to take control of one's health? Or is it the influence of social media, celebrity endorsements, and a growing mistrust of doctors?

Dr. Tiffany Troso-Sandoval, a medical oncologist at thescholarlynote.com, warns that this shift toward unproven alternative therapy is "unfortunate" and could have dire consequences for cancer patients. "Traditional medicine treatment of cancer is born out of decades of science and highly scrutinized clinical trials, while many of the most popular alternatives are based upon anecdotal uses and word of mouth," she notes.

The consequences of choosing alternative treatments over evidence-based care can be devastating. A 2024 study published in JAMA Network Open found that patients who relied on unproven alternative treatments were 2.5 times more likely to die within five years than those who went with traditional methods.

But what's even more concerning is the lack of transparency among patients who opt for alternative treatments. Many don't tell their doctors about these choices, fearing they'll be told to stop or that it will interfere with their conventional treatment. Dr. Troso-Sandoval notes that this secrecy can have serious consequences: "Some supplements or alternative treatments can interfere with chemotherapy or create additional side effects and toxicity because of the combination."

The story of Ananda Lewis serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of evidence-based medicine in cancer care. Her case highlights the need for patients to be informed about the risks and benefits of alternative treatments and the dangers of delaying life-saving procedures.

As we continue to navigate the complex landscape of cancer treatment, it's crucial that we prioritize transparency, accountability, and patient education. Only by doing so can we ensure that patients receive the best possible care and have a fighting chance against this devastating disease.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!