As a new wave of alternate, “natural,” cancer treatments gain attention in the media, Seventh-day Adventist health leaders in North America say that special diets and herbal treatments are no replacement for conventional medicine.

In spite of what may seem like persuasive anecdotal evidence that a “natural cancer treatment” has worked, it is simply incorrect to claim that following a special diet regime can cure cancer, says DeWitt Williams, health director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America.

“Some people with cancer are going on health diets instead of going to get treatment,” he says. “And that bothers me, especially if it’s aggressive cancer. If something is wrong with you, go to a reputable hospital and get treatment.”

There are more than 1.2 million new cases of cancer each year in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Cancer is the second leading cause of death following heart disease.

According to Williams, practitioners of alternate cancer therapies exploit a cancer victim’s fear and vulnerability at a time when they are more likely than ever to grasp at straws. “There are people out there who are persuasive speakers, who appear to know medicine, who promote these sham treatments,” says Williams. “They oversimplify and sensationalize and go on shows like Oprah Winfrey and 60 Minutes to teach this quackery.”

Williams says that even within the Adventist Church, some people are susceptible to the lure of so-called natural cancer treatments, and fail to seek proper medical care for their condition.

“It is vital to remember that the Adventist Church’s wholistic approach to health is a preventive measure—studies have shown that if you live a certain way it may reduce your chances of getting cancer,” explains Williams. “But should you be diagnosed with cancer, you should go and get treatment. Modern medicine and our health message coincide; they are not mutually exclusive.”

Williams says changing one’s diet in conjunction with conventional medical treatment is fine—it is only the inflated claims of some regimes, which encourage people to refuse medical treatment, that are dangerous.

For those who have encountered claims that special diets can cure cancer, Williams recommends the Web site www.quackwatch.com, which is maintained by Stephen Barrett, M.D. “He’s a well-respected doctor in health circles,” says Williams. “He has done a good job of exposing health frauds like juice diets and garlic for treating cancer, and healing magnets.”