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As someone who has faced cancer, I found Netflix’s latest series Apple Cider Vinegar deeply unsettling. The show poignantly portrays the weariness and hopelessness that accompany a cancer diagnosis, and it highlights the tempting but risky allure of pursuing “natural” remedies in lieu of established medical treatments. More troubling is the exploration of the alternative health sector, a realm rife with unscrupulous individuals and influencers who exploit the vulnerable, promoting unverified remedies with unfounded certainty.
I can personally relate to these themes, as I found myself nearly falling into the same trap.
My early-stage breast cancer diagnosis came in December 2022, prompting me to seek immediate consultations with surgeons. However, many of these appointments were delayed until late January due to the holiday season. With weeks to spare, I took it upon myself to research alternative options, which led me to consult with Dr. T, an integrative medical professional, to discuss whether supplements could bolster my health as I awaited treatment.
Dr. T was supportive of my decision to have surgery and pointed me to Dr. D, a holistic practitioner specializing in thermography. This imaging technique was said to assess abnormalities in blood flow on the breast surface, potentially indicating areas of concern related to tumors or inflammation.
However, it was an offhand comment about a patient who Dr. D supposedly “healed” without conventional treatments that piqued my interest. As a science writer intrigued by holistic medicine, I felt compelled to learn more about whether thermography could provide insight into my cancer.
Courtesy Jennie Durant
Upon visiting Dr. D’s office, I was struck by its calming atmosphere reminiscent of a spa, a stark contrast to the stark, sterile rooms I was used to.
During the thermography session, nine thermal images were captured using a specialized camera followed by a “cold challenge,” where I submerged my hands in ice water to gauge how my body reacted. It was explained to me that healthy tissue would cool down in sync with the brain, while cancerous areas would resist cooling, appearing as hot spots in the images.
While this process intrigued me, I couldn’t shake the unease caused by several warning signs: thermography tests lack FDA approval for breast cancer detection, and I learned that the technician operating the machine was actually Dr. D’s spouse.
After a long, anxious 30 minutes of waiting, Dr. D finally invited me into his office, and the conversation quickly took an unexpected turn.
Dr. D presented my thermogram report, which showed no signs of cancer, leaving him visibly flustered. Instead, he reported elevated “extra heat” in my breast, categorizing me as “high-risk.”
What followed was even more surreal: Dr. D theorized that my cancer was due to having received too many COVID vaccines, advising me to avoid further vaccination. I was stunned; there is no scientific basis linking COVID vaccine doses to breast cancer, and this assertion contradicted my personal family history.
“What about my mother, who had the same cancer at the same age?” I interjected.
He dismissed that correlation outright, insisting that it was purely due to the vaccines. Then, without missing a beat, he started promoting Super Mineral Water, a product he sold in his clinic that he claimed could detoxify my body and possibly aid in my recovery.
At this point, I felt a mix of horror and embarrassment—not just for the absurdity of his claims, but also for my initial credulity in seeking out alternative treatments. I quickly gathered my belongings and left.
Courtesy Jennie Durant
After that experience, I found myself researching online, where I encountered a cautionary tale about Morganne Delian, who had relied exclusively on a thermogram for cancer detection. Regrettably, she was later diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer after finally opting for a mammogram and biopsy months after initially talking to the thermogram practitioner, who failed to identify a lump.
Delian’s experience reinforces the significant risks associated with unverified screening and alternative treatments. From coffee enemas to Gerson therapy to dubious concoctions like black salve, as well as untested treatments like intravenous vitamin C, and unproven diets like alkaline diets, to even unscientific practices like homeopathy and energy healing practices, the marketplace for these options is vast and often unchecked by scientific scrutiny.
So, why do so many individuals gravitate toward these untested alternatives? One likely factor is the quest for control during a time when fear can feel overwhelming. A cancer diagnosis often strips away one’s sense of agency, placing treatment responsibility in the hands of unfamiliar medical professionals. In such a scenario, alternative medicine presents the illusion of personalization and empowerment, as opponents to conventional methods sidestep substantive statistics, risks, and protocols, offering instead hope and simplicity. In facing the complexities and challenges of cancer treatment, this facade of ease can become immensely appealing.
Following my diagnosis, I chose to place my trust in the expertise of my oncology team and the robust scientific methods that underpinned their recommendations. I relinquished my desire for an idealized healing journey, akin to Milla’s idyllic retreat depicted in “Apple Cider Vinegar.” Instead, I embraced the austere yet specialized environment of a hospital where my surgeon effectively removed my tumor, ultimately restoring my health.
Courtesy Jennie Durant
Today, I annually undergo a mammogram and breast MRI, following the guidelines for individuals like myself who are deemed high-risk with dense breasts. I also take tamoxifen daily as a preventative measure, in accordance with my oncologist’s guidance. This is not just a choice; it’s a commitment to evidence-based care.
The role of science in my recovery cannot be overstated. It serves as a lifeline for countless patients confronting similar struggles. Yet, we currently face a troubling trend where skepticism towards scientific authorities and regulatory bodies is prevalent, while dubious narratives propagated by profit-driven figures seem to gain traction. Apple Cider Vinegar sheds light on this troubling phenomenon, revealing the dangers posed by those who manipulate fear for personal gain. It reminds us why trust in scientific methods is more critical now than ever.
The pressing question remains: Will we heed this warning?
Note: Some names and identifying characteristics have been modified for privacy reasons.
Jennie Durant is a science writer and researcher who has survived breast cancer. She is working on a forthcoming book about bee declines, to be published by Island Press in 2026. Her work has been featured in various publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Grist, The Conversation, Salon and others. Discover more about her research at Google Scholar.
This article was originally published by HuffPost in February 2025.
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