Olivia Newton-John Says Upcoming Documentary “The Answer to Cancer” Explores New Treatment Options, But Are They Credible?

It’s worth noting that alternative medicine, which may be addressed in this documentary, is a controversial subject in the medical world. A survey from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) found that 39% of those surveyed believe alternative therapy alone like vitamins, minerals, or diet can cure cancer. However, that can be a dangerous assumption, seeing as studies have shown those who choose to undergo alternative medicine instead of conventional treatment are more likely to die as a result. Over the years, more doctors today are open to discussing integrative therapy methods  as long as these methods don't seek to replace the medically approved treatments.

Related: Olivia Newton-John, Living With Stage 4 Breast Cancer, Is 'Masking For A Friend' to Stay Safe and Support Pandemic Action Network

Olivia Newton-John, has stared cancer down a number of times. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, where she underwent chemotherapy and a modified radical mastectomy, a procedure which removed both of her breasts. She went into remission until 2015, where she revealed her cancer had recurred and immediately received hormone treatment leading to her entering remission again. However, in 2017, Newton-John’s breast cancer returned, but this time doctors shared it was a stage 4 diagnosis  meaning it had spread beyond her breasts and begun metastasizing elsewhere in her body, including in her bones. While doctors have said the disease may be incurable, Newton-John has consistently said she plans to overcome her diagnosis once again, and has remained positive throughout her journey.

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After Cancer: Spreading Awareness And Cancer Activism

In conversations with survivors, many have said facing cancer made them learn information about the disease that they didn’t know before their diagnosis. Once completing treatment, some feel the need to give back and share that information with those newly diagnosed.

Related: Kate Winslet Lost Her Mother To Ovarian Cancer Now She's Spreading Awareness About The Disease

When Mark Borja, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, was diagnosed with testicular cancer, he like many others, initially felt ashamed of his diagnosis. While undergoing treatment, he realized that many of his peers and friends didn’t know much about the disease, which led him to create an organization spreading awareness. Save a Nut is a support group for men in Charlotte and the surrounding area who are going through testicular cancer. He knows he isn’t the only man who has experienced shame after facing testicular cancer, and he created Save a Nut as a way for men to talk openly about their feelings.

Testicular cancer survivor Mark Borja created a support group for other men facing the disease

For Sue Manber, she learned about her cancer diagnosis through her 13-year-old daughter Sarina. After spotting a strange mark on her mother’s nose, Sue made an appointment with the doctor and ended up being diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma  an extremely rare form of skin cancer. She underwent seven surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation, and inspired by her journey, created a campaign targeted towards skin cancer awareness.

Related: Naughty By Nature's Vin Rock Talks About COVID as a Wake-up Call for African American Health, Cancer Awareness, and Remixing 'Hip Hop Hooray'

The Big See is an awareness campaign which educates the public on skin cancer, such as how to monitor your skin for any sudden changes that may indicate cancer as well as sharing helpful tips for doing self-exams on the skin, and advice for when a mark or mole may warrant a visit to the dermatologist.

Skin cancer survivor Sue Manber created an awareness campaign to teach others about skin cancer

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