| Breast Cancer Victims should know cure rate has increased 04/08/2001 During a recent appearance on the Cable News Network's Larry King Live, actress Suzanne Somers raised a topic that is unfortunately common for American women. Ms. Somers revealed she has breast cancer. Every other woman diagnosed with breast cancer can understand the tears that formed as Ms. Somers told Mr. King about her awaiting battle.
The plan the actress intends to follow as a response to breast cancer might not be as easy to comprehend. Ms. Somers intends to pursue a homeopathic approach to the disease. She will not undergo radiation or chemotherapy treatments.
The choice each individual makes when confronted with cancer is deeply personal. Ms. Somers made hers against the wishes of doctors. That is her right, and the public should honor it.
But the move troubles professionals who have worked in the field of breast cancer. They worry that Suzanne Somers' celebrity status could sway other cancer patients, who have deep fears about radiation and chemotherapy.
George Peters, executive director of the Center for Breast Cancer at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, said doctors are much more open today to alternative methods for treating cancer. Diet, exercise, acupuncture and visualization all have been used in the treatment, Dr. Peters said.
"But I strike a deal with patients," he said. "I will use these methods as part of an integrated package of care that includes traditional approaches that have been peer-reviewed hundreds of times."
Dr. Peters said he understands the desire to follow a homeopathic approach to breast cancer. But he also notes that it would not be right to ignore methods of treatment that have proven records of success.
Dr. Peters does not intend for his comments to reflect negatively on Suzanne Somers. But he does want those who have just found they have breast cancer to realize the cure rate has been increasing steadily.
Susan Braun, president and chief executive officer of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, echoes Dr. Peters' remarks.
"We cannot know what stage her cancer is in," Ms. Braun said during an interview with this editorial page last week. It would help the public understand the situation if Ms. Somers would provide more information about her condition and her decision to follow an alternative course of treatment, she said.
Ms. Braun notes that fear can turn breast cancer into a deadly disease when it need not be seen that way. "People who are looking for reasons not to get treatment because they are frightened will grasp at straws," she said.
It certainly took courage for Suzanne Somers to tell her story. The actress and television personality now could help many other women if she would use that courage to explain her decision and urge other Americans to make their own choices when faced with cancer.
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