“Spontaneous” remission of cancer: Theories from doctors, healers, and cancer survivors

“Spontaneous Remission” (SR) of cancer is defined as a remission that occurs in the absence of Western medical treatment(s), or after Western treatment has failed to remit the disease (Everson & Cole, 1966). Understanding why and when SR occurs could lead to significant advances in cancer research, and could reveal inexpensive treatments for cancer patients who do not have private health insurance. The present study was undertaken to create a foundation of hypotheses for SR on which future match-controlled studies may be based. Methods: 50 doctors/healers from 12 different countries, as well as 20 cancer survivors who have experienced SR, were interviewed regarding why SR may occur. The 20 cancer survivors were also given a survey that collected descriptive information. Results: Two over-arching themes emerged as to when SR may occur: 1) after a radical cleansing of the body via diet, supplements, and exercise, and/or 2) after a radical change in mental-emotional patterns. Details of these changes will be discussed in the presentation. Public Health researchers are encouraged to use the results of this study to design quantitative studies on SR that can test for causality. For example, Stage 1 cancer patients may be willing to engage in a 2-month clinical trial wherein they undergo a radical diet change and engage in emotional release work before having any surgery/chemotherapy/radiation. This group could be compared to a group that immediately receives surgery/chemotherapy/radiation, but makes no dietary or emotional changes.