Post by : Saif Rahman

Sonali Bendre has addressed backlash from healthcare professionals following her comments on naturopathy and autophagy during her battle with cancer. The Bollywood star, who overcame stage 4 metastatic cancer, emphasized that she does not present herself as a medical professional but shares her personal journey. She urged others to respect her experiences, asserting that each individual deserves the freedom to select what they find empowering in their healing process.

The uproar started when Sonali posted on social media, asserting that autophagy played a pivotal role in her recovery, attributing her knowledge to a naturopath. After conducting her research, she chose to adopt the practice that she believes helped her significantly. However, many doctors expressed concern that such remarks could mislead cancer patients into thinking alternative therapies might replace standard medical interventions.

Sharing her fears and the struggles faced during her cancer fight, Sonali noted that she aims to discuss her insights with honesty and humility. She emphasized that she has never suggested others should follow her path or claimed her methods are universally effective. Her cancer journey is deeply personal, she remarked, and her experiences are unique, with no one-size-fits-all solution for cancer treatment. Autophagy has been beneficial for her, and she continues to embrace it today.

Medical professionals pointed out that while Sonali's personal account is valid, it could inadvertently mislead the public into equating naturopathy with scientifically validated treatments. Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, popularly known as “The Liver Doc,” stated that Sonali is not a quack, but rather a victim of misleading claims typically associated with naturopathic practices. He noted that many patients are attracted to treatments promising miraculous results without the backing of scientific evidence. He urged his colleagues to advise the public based on research rather than attacking Sonali personally.

According to Dr. Philips, health conclusions need to be derived from scientific studies, regardless of how motivational individual stories may appear. Other medical professionals echoed the sentiment that celebrities with extensive reach must be cautious, as their followers might emulate their paths without appreciating the potential risks involved.

Sonali's original message reflected her introduction to autophagy back in 2018, shortly after her diagnosis. After thorough research and consultations with her naturopath, she incorporated it into her treatment, crediting it with her recovery. In response, doctors quickly pointed out that her post overlooked her concurrent modern cancer treatments at a leading medical facility. They cautioned against suggesting that alternative therapies could overshadow conventional treatment's role in her recovery.

Diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cancer in 2018, Sonali received treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in the U.S., eventually being declared cancer-free in 2019. Her story has inspired many confronting severe illness, yet her recent remarks sparked a widespread dialogue about the critical balance between personal narratives and scientific validation, particularly when articulated by public figures.

Amid varied opinions, the conversation highlights the sensitivity surrounding medical discussions. Sonali insists her intention is to share her individual narrative rather than provide guidance. Doctors stress that public health decisions should be informed by scientific data. Both viewpoints converge on the importance of ensuring that cancer patients are well-informed, supported, and empowered to make safe choices.

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