RESEARCH STUDY ON MEN WHO DECLINE CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT.

One research study has published some initial findings.

Study participants initiated an intensive search for information on conventional and complementary therapies (CAM) at diagnosis. Over time, they engaged in an on-going process of searching and evaluating evidence to answer their questions about treatment side-effects and survival outcomes. They were concerned that conventional treatments:

Do not address the underlying causes of cancer.
Damage the prostate, causing cancer cells to spread (surgery, biopsy).
Cause the cancer to recur (radiation therapy).
Weaken the immune system.
Damage internal organs, making recovery difficult (radiation therapy).

(“The Role of Evidence in Decision-making by Men with Prostate Cancer who Decline Conventional Treatment”. Margaret White, Research Consultant , Vancouver, B.C. ,and Marja Verhoef , Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta).