Amateur Hour?

Science isn't always 'right'. It's always essentially a 'work in progress'. New data has to be accumulated, confirmed, evaluated and often re-analysed. So-called 'alternative medicines' are, however, available, without any need for tests/proofs. Its advocates are also overtly focussed on making money out of their 'alternative takes'. A recent striking example is provided by ex-model Elle Macpherson. She claims to have 'cured' herself of breast cancer, by dispensing with medical advice and taking an 'holistic approach' (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/sep/08/elle-macpherson-cancer-alternative-medicine). Macpherson reportedly started her process, with an 8 month stay in Arizona. She was accompanied by her personal doctor; a holistic dentist; an osteopath; a chiropractor; a naturopath and assorted therapists. This isn't, of course, the kind of entourage that most people can afford. Macpherson's company, WelleCo, can, however, sell folk untested supplements and devices. Sadly, this kind of approach aims to appeal to sections of the worried well and others with a cancer diagnosis. Currently available cancer treatments, like surgery; chemotherapy and radiotherapy, all have unpleasant side-effects. It sounds much nicer and more positive, to 'cure yourself' with a positive attitude and 'essential' supplements. Weirdly, some sections of media respond positively to an assortment of ex-models; pop stars; struck-off medics; actresses and 'influencers'. Would you, however, let someone, with no mechanical experience/ aptitude, fix your car? What about getting an English Literature graduate, to repair your broken iPad? Strangely, such amateurs seem to get a free ride, when it comes to treating the much more complicated human body! As well as making money, these approaches can (and do?) kill folk who might be deterred from following current medical advice.