# U.S.Women with breast cancer denied access to lifesaving treatment **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [April 10, 2000, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092 "2000-04-10T12:41:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2000, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092/41 "2000-05-11T00:11:45Z")
Okay, some time after I posted last, I received an email response from Jo Ann Easterly. I replied to her she should post it to the web in this thread. A followup message to me indicated that she would appreciate it if I posted the email for her. In the interests of furthering the debate, I will do so. Here is Jo Ann’s email to me. Let’s see what the rest of you have to say. I apologize for the formatting. -----Original Message----- From: [JoAnnEster@aol.com](mailto:JoAnnEster@aol.com) Date: Saturday, April 15, 2000 11:56 AM Subject: A matter of semantics! Hello Irishman, I am sincerely appreciative of your explanation of how things work on this site. Your writing style and your communication skills are well noted and some of your critics are valid from the standpoint of this message board and its purpose. Thank you for taking the time to educate me. May I say that the striking thing to me, being a neophite to this system, Is the low level of trust, high level of suspicion that exists with your members. It was intimated by JKELLER, member that "looking for a conspiracy is fun, but hardly fruitful. I couldn’t agree more. I don’t consider what I have learned FUN. So why are you all so convince that there is somehow a conspiracy in all of those who offer “alternative treatments.” How can you be so certain that ANYONE has all the accurate answers…even the AMA, The American Cancer Society, HEALTH CARE REALITY CHECK, ETC. It’s all a matter of semantics, in my humble opinion. Those who are skilled in language/ words have an obvious advantage. The reason that I have not engaged in these fun yet fruitless debates (till now) is because I have been using my energy to find my own “truth”. How, you may wonder? By meeting and talking to people who are living this nighmare. By doing my own research based on my personal experience. Did you watch 20/20 this week. They apparently believe, after their investigation, that the “bone marrow /stem cell transplants” for women with breast cancer has been approved in this country without ANY CLINICAL TRIALS AT ALL. Apparently, the AMA does not have to abide by the same rules as that quack Burzynski. Why is that, irishman? I spoke to women who were urged to do this and all sorts of horrific protocols by physicians THINKING that they were properly tested and approved. Obviously, that is NOT THE CASE with the bone marrow transpants that are being performed right now. Apparently, the only study performed on bone marrow transplants came from a M.D. from Africa who has now been formally discredited. What’s that all about, irishman? Does 20/20 air programs without proof? Is this a conspiracy? Am I having fun yet? For every well meaning “caveat” that I received from your group, in this instance, I can counter with the same accusations that were leveled at me. But THIS is not my intention. Yes, I love to debate and I must admit that it superficially stimulated my attention AND that hasn’t helped me one bit. Locked in this circle-jerk of dialogue is not making people (whoever they are) accountable for what is happening to women with breast cancer in this country. Yes, I know many people are suffering with many types of cancer AND my focus REMAINS on women with breast cancer…no apology. I would like to know why Donna Shalala and Jane Henney are so ATTACHED to their worldly political powers that they have agreed to remain silent. I wonder if they read the book by Candace Pert titled “Molecules of Emotion”. It offers a personal accounting from an “insider” perspective on how politics has no conscience in government and the medical community. Is she a liar, too? I don’t know, and the truth be known, neither does anyone else. No matter how eloquently you and I defend our positions with clever quotes and orderly debate nothing is changing without ACTION! My plea is for people to ban together and demand accountability for “the breast cancer slaughter” that seems to be growing at an alarming rate. “Who has a vested interest?” you ask. Call me myopic but have you noticed how many people are earning their living via the “cancer industry”. What happens to the employment statistics if cancer was cured tomorrow? I WILL NOT allow myself to be swept into the “defeatist attitude” that their is no hope. There is hope and it is growing stronger everyday despite the enormous efforts to deny me "the right to choose’’ the treatment I will accept. The mass consciousness HAS changed and I am a part of that change. Yes, there are many charlatans out there preying on the struggles and illnesses of others. The unscrupulous come from both sides of the court…Coventional and Alternative. It speaks only to the corrupt nature of our sad and pathetic society. I intend to continue to move toward the Light with “right action” as my only motivation. I need no referrals to claim my birhtright for I am self-referred in my decisions. It is a jungle out there and finding truth a distracting exercise no matter where your perceptions lie. I choose the serenity of my " inner self ". It is the only place where truth can be found. Thank you for inspiring me to express my position. I now know the reason I stumbled onto this message board. God Bless You! Jo Ann Esterly ---
**Author:** ![andros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e480ec/32.png) [@andros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andros)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2000, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092/42 "2000-05-11T00:36:12Z")
Just a few points (I’m sure others will have more). > [@](#): > > How can you be so certain that ANYONE has all the accurate answers…even the AMA, The American Cancer Society, HEALTH CARE REALITY CHECK, ETC. It’s all a matter of semantics, in my humble opinion. Those who are skilled in language/ words have an obvious advantage. And those who base their decisions on verefiable science have an even bigger advantage. It’s foolish in the extreme to dismiss the whole of mainstream medical science simply because one distrusts science. Obviously no one has “all the accurate answers” (except certain religions, of course :rolleyes:). But the purpose of science is to continue to seek all the accurate answers. And it does so by replicable research. > [@](#): > > Did you watch 20/20 this week. They apparently believe, after their investigation, that the “bone marrow /stem cell transplants” for women with breast cancer has been approved in this country without ANY CLINICAL > TRIALS AT ALL. Could someone please score me a citation for this? Does 20/20 have online transcripts? > [@](#): > > I would like to know why Donna Shalala and Jane Henney are so ATTACHED to their worldly political powers that they have agreed to remain silent. And I’m sure you know allll about their motivations, huh? > [@](#): > > Call me myopic but have you noticed how many people are earning their living via the “cancer industry”. No,I haven’t. How many? > [@](#): > > What happens to the employment statistics if cancer was cured tomorrow? Errr, nothing. Sheesh, next you’ll be telling us all about that great 200mpg carburetor you know about. (Hint: it’s on the shelf right between the Roswell spacecraft and the Ark of the Covenant.) > [@](#): > > It offers a personal accounting from an “insider” perspective on how politics has no conscience in government and the medical community. Is she a liar, too? Who ever said that politics has a conscience? > [@](#): > > . It speaks only to the corrupt nature of > our sad and pathetic society. > \ > I choose the serenity of my " inner self ". It is the only place where truth can be found. Rama rama. :rolleyes: IOW, “I believe I’m right, and nothing your foolish ‘science’ has to say will change my mind.” ---
**Author:** ![Smartass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4491bb/32.png) [@Smartass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smartass)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2000, 11:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092/43 "2000-05-11T11:10:44Z")
Personally, I support Ms. Esterly’s right to choose whatever treatment she wants, whether it helps her or kills her. It’s her body, right? Ms. Esterly, if you are interested in political organizations that support your right to choose, you can learn more about the Libertarian Party at [http://www.lp.org/](http://www.lp.org/)_Official Website_ ---
**Author:** ![Jo\_Ann\_Esterly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/cc9497/32.png) [@Jo\_Ann\_Esterly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jo_Ann_Esterly)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2000, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092/44 "2000-05-11T13:38:21Z")
Well, here I am again all suited up for battle and prepared to learn the lessons of my life! Thanks irishman for the lure…I MUST have something of significance that needs to be said. Otherwise, why am I subjecting myself to this highly scientific audience? Let me repeat the purpose of my original, ill-prepared, post. I want to find other women with breast cancer who have been denied “treatment of choice” in this country. I want us to ban together and demand accountability for this “slaughter”. I want our voices to join together in a clear, concise, and uncompromising chant that resonants around this planet,“We have had enough of the deception, the greed, the politics, the scientific rhetoric, the excuses, the pink ribbons, the walks, the fundraisers, the support groups, the well- meaning and unsuccessful non-profits.” “We demand a new direction for these resources and energies to fund research for an immediate cure NOT limited or restricted by the FDA, the AMA, by Health Care Reality Check, the American Camcer Society, the Pharmaceuticals. Why not utilize the SCIENTIFIC genius of medical researchers all over the world who are NOT in the U.S. governmental loop? Why not fund a Doctor like Stanislaws Burzynski who has illustrated the value of antineoplastons for years? To those who are eager to assault me for lack of respect for the almighty scientific community, you have misinterpreted my viewpoint. Allow me to ask each of you to humor me in my ignorance. Think back to one widely-held “scientific belief” that has been disproven/discredited. Think about those pioneers who were willing to be “crucified” to take our civilization to the next level. I thought we called this progress, evolution, right action! What would have happened if these geniuses conceded and crumbled under the pressure of “stuck” scientific beliefs, due to ignorance, threats, propaganda, corruption, or greed?” As many of you have pointed out, I could use some instruction on providing more facts. I would appreciate your help. List one “scientific fact” or “medical fact” that has been proven false or reversed in the last 50 years. This will save me time in researching and also spare me the embarrassment of making, yet, another unsubstantiated claim. Let me repeat, my intention is A Call to ACTION that will demand and inspire a new committment to CURING breast cancer. Right now, I am a woman in the United States of American who is being denied access to lifesaving alternative information and “the right to choose” my treatment. Right now, I can’t even get Dr. Burzynski to return my calls. Why? Right now women in Europe and Canada are able to receive treatment from Dr. Burzynski Anyone up for another research project to help a struggling student? Who can name 2 or 3 medical procedures currently in use by the AMA and currently approved by the FDA that did not have to go through clinical trials or testing? I would be very interested in these facts! Here I am again, Irishman, lured into the enchanting world of words when what I really want and NEED is Right Action. Am I wasting time or being divinely directed? ---
**Author:** ![lachesis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@lachesis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lachesis)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2000, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092/45 "2000-05-11T16:57:06Z")
**Here I am again, Irishman, lured into the enchanting world of words when what I really want and NEED is Right Action. Am I wasting time or being divinely directed?** wasting time. {well, you _did_ ask!} 😃 personally, i think you and like-minded people are perfectly free to ban **d** together whenever/wherever. United States, freedom of assembly, yadayadayada. {unless, of course, that wasn’t _really_ a continuing malapropism/typo, and you actually _do_ want to ban something (as in prohibit; make unavailable; execrate). in that case, maybe this has some applicability as a GD topic after all.} :rolleyes: i just think you’re picking a rather non-appropos place to start your campaign. you’re much more likely to draw similiarly-minded souls to your camp by, oh, say making your own Website or something along that line. crank out those petitions, coordinate your demonstrations, print your flyers–whatever. go work the process, if you want to make things happen. i don’t see anything radical happening while you just sit and argue about it. and i think it’d take a pretty amazing level of eloquence to suddenly sweep everyone here at SD (or even just the GD section) into marching through the streets following your banner. let’s just say, my walking shoes remain deep under the bed. _note:_ apologies to any who groaned upon seeing this thread do another Lazarus. ---
**Author:** ![avalongod](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@avalongod](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/avalongod)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2000, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092/46 "2000-05-11T17:13:36Z")
I know pretty much nothing about breast cancer treatment per se, but I have some knowledge of how drug companies and the FDA work, so to fuel some conspiracy fires… It is true that drug companies with “established” treatments will lobby hard to prevent new or better treatments from coming on the market because they fear losing market share. This happened with many psychotropic medications, including those used for schizophrenia, and is fairly common in the pharmeceutical world. IT would be nice to think that the medical profession is continuously looking for new and better treatments, but it is much more complex than that. Like any government agency, the FDA is ultimately as susceptible to influence from big companies as any other…thus the “people being denied treatment” hypothesis is not altogether implausible. It is all about money. ---
**Author:** ![Eonwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eonwe/32/240_2.png) [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2000, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092/47 "2000-05-11T18:54:12Z")
> [@](#): > > \*\* > We demand a new direction for these resources and energies to fund research for an immediate cure NOT limited or restricted by the FDA, the AMA, by Health Care Reality Check, the American Camcer Society, the Pharmaceuticals. Why not utilize the SCIENTIFIC genius of medical researchers all over the world who are NOT in the U.S. governmental loop? > \*\* Assuming that we lived in a world where our scientific community was not shackled by such supervision, how would we tell the frauds from the real healers? Because to be honest, I don’t know enough about a lot of sicknesses to know what what would be a legitimate treatment and what would not. That is why we have government regulation. It’s to protect my interests and provide a screening process by knowledgable people so that I can feel secure that the treatment I get will at least have a possibility of working. I would much rather have a few potential treatments that may work slip through the cracks, than for there to be an open season on ignorant people like myself, who are waiting to be prayed upon by “doctors” who may just be selling snake oil. ---
**Author:** ![andros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e480ec/32.png) [@andros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andros)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2000, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092/48 "2000-05-12T00:55:02Z")
**avalongod** sed: > [@](#): > > It is true that drug companies with “established” treatments will lobby hard to prevent new or better treatments from coming on the market because they fear losing market share. It’s not that I’m doubting you, but can you back any of that up? ---
**Author:** ![tracer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tracer/32/20578_2.png) [@tracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tracer)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2000, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092/49 "2000-05-12T03:02:25Z")
Jo Ann, there’s something else you should keep in mind, too: Many people in this thread have called Dr. Burzynski’s cancer work questionable. This does not mean they are accusing him of deceiving the public with a cure he knows to be ineffective. It is very easy for a doctor to administer a new potential cure to a few people, see positive results, and immediately leap to the conclusion that the new potential cure **caused** the positive results. Dr. Burzynski probably believes, fervently, that his cure works. But his direct experience isn’t enough to tell for sure. The only way to tell for sure if his cures really work is to have carefully controlled trials where the results can be judged without any of the many, many types of biases that can creep into ad-hoc trials. And when posts to this thread from a month ago contain quotes like this: > [@](#): > > During the 1980s, NCI studied cases of cancer patients that Dr. Burzynski had treated with antineoplastons. There was no evidence that these patients benefited in any way from the antineoplaston treatment. In 1985, the Canadian Bureau of Prescription Drugs examined records of patients of Canadian doctors treated at Dr. Burzynski’s clinic in Houston. It found that of 36 patients, 32 had not benefited from the treatment and had died. Of the remaining four, one died after some slight improvement, one died after stabilizing for a year, and two were still alive, but had widespread cancer. … I have to conclude that, if such controlled trials have been performed, the results are not promising. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2000, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092/50 "2000-05-12T14:18:19Z")
**Irishman,** I take back the ugly things I said about you for kicking this thread back up to the top. This is perfectly fascinating. Evidently the Lord God Almighty has chosen the Straight Dope Message Board to be Jo Ann’s personal soapbox to spread the Gospel according to Dr. Burzynski. Hear, hear! I haven’t been so enthralled since Joseph Smith came down to breakfast babbling about an angel and some golden tablets… ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2000, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092/51 "2000-05-12T14:36:24Z")
Eonwe, careful what you say about snake-oil peddlers. That just happens to be how I make my living. It feels that way especially after the last three clinical trials I was involved in were scotched by the FDA. The Alzheimer’s drug had unforseen side effects, and the cancer drug is now designated as being counterindicated (that means, pretty much, that it made the disease worse in people). Luckily, a few more trials have advanced to the clinical level, and I am back to sisty hour work weeks. It was nice to have a break for a couple of months… ---
**Author:** ![Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/earl_snake-hips_tucker/32/3269_2.png) [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2000, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092/52 "2000-05-12T14:38:21Z")
“There is no such thing as an ‘alternative’ treatment (for anything). There are treatments that seem to help. There are treatments that don’t seem to help. And there are treatments whose results haven’t been proven one way or the other.” –Dr Dean Edell ---
**Author:** ![David\_B](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/51bf81/32.png) [@David\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_B)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2000, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092/53 "2000-05-13T03:21:30Z")
Jo Ann said: > [@](#): > > Think back to one widely-held “scientific belief” that has been disproven/discredited. Think about those pioneers who were willing to be “crucified” to take our civilization to the next level. Ah, the old “other people have been right and ignored so that means this guy must be as well.” A variant of the “they laughed at the Wright brothers” routine. It’s not enough to be laughed at, Jo Ann. It’s not enough to say you follow in the footsteps of people who were persecuted, but right. It’s that last part that is the key – you have to be right. This guy isn’t – or at least he certainly hasn’t shown that he is. And therein lies the problem. ---
**Author:** ![Scylla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2000, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092/54 "2000-05-13T03:55:53Z")
Actually, by the standards of today’s society being dismissed by the establishment (any establishment will do,) equals persecution. If you are persecuted that of course means that you were right, because again, by today’s standards, all persecution is false. Therefore if you hold false beliefs, and they are dismissed, then those beliefs are no longer false. They now must be true and accurate. (I was just watching the news) ---
**Author:** ![Jo\_Ann\_Esterly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/cc9497/32.png) [@Jo\_Ann\_Esterly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jo_Ann_Esterly)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2000, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092/55 "2000-05-13T13:39:09Z")
Anybody have any research completed. I’m getting bored with these lack-lustre/no substance responses. I’m still waiting for the “irrefutable truth” from a real genius. I don’t need to be right…I just want to have THE right to choose treatment without the intrusion of “know it all” bureacrats. I must be crazy! AND it is a sad realization that THIS forum has turned into a form of recreation for me. It is actually laughable…maybe that’s it…This is a source of humor for me at a very sad and scary time in my life. My ANGEL and I were discussing this and we agree that this is NOT about Dr.Burzyski. He’s not doing a damn thing for me either, thanks to the FDA. This is about an illusion that freedom and equality exists. This is about the illusion that “right action” can emerge from the bowels of greed and deception. This is about the illusion that there IS value in human life. This is about the illusion of confusion, sadness, and defeat where it CANNOT exist…right here on MY SOAPBOX AND IN MY MIND! Attention researchers: What kind of studies or scientific research was done before Open-heart/Bypass surgery was approved in this country? What is the percentage of deaths caused in this country by prescriptive medications that are FDA/Scientifically Approved? (as administered by Licensed Medical Doctors? Where do YOU look for answers to suppport your preconceptions? I’m still looking for ACTION! One more thing…I really do appreciate your responses and/or comments. If nothing else, I am improving my writing skills and learning to ignore silly insults! Thanks! I guess there are some redeeming qualities at GD. ---
**Author:** ![David\_B](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/51bf81/32.png) [@David\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_B)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2000, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092/56 "2000-05-13T14:32:50Z")
Jo Ann said: > [@](#): > > Anybody have any research completed. You seem to misunderstand the way these things work, Jo Ann. _You_ are making the claim. _You_ need to back it up. It’s not up to us to do your research for you. Where is the evidence that supports your pal the doctor? Let’s see it. Of course, I would be amazed if you can somehow find it, since he has been unable to show it to scientists, doctors, and the FDA. Oh, wait, I forgot, he’s being repressed and persecuted. Yeah, that’s the ticket. ---
**Author:** ![JonF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/cab0a1/32.png) [@JonF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JonF)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2000, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092/57 "2000-05-13T16:53:50Z")
> [@](#): > > Anybody have any research completed. I’m getting bored with these lack-lustre/no substance responses. May I remind you that you have not responded to or acknowledged the substantial responses that have been posted? Whereas your posts have shown a disturbing lack of substance. So far you’ve claimed a cancer cure, various conspiracies, and made allegations against the medical establishment and medical practices **without offering any evidence**. The simple answer to your original question is that you are being denied access to this “treatment” because there is good reason to believe it will either kill you or discourage you from seeking treatments that _may_ work, and there is no scientific reason to believe that Burzynski’s “treatment” works. This is explained at [Why Quackery Harms](http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/harmquack.html). This link was posted over a month ago. What is your comment? (I hope that your comment is more substantive than your previous posts). [The American Cancer Society - Antineoplastins](http://www2.cancer.org/SiteSearch/www/AltFrame.cfm?select=/antineoplastons.htm) says the treatment has been investigated and does not work. This link was posted over a month ago. Have you investigated that link? Do you have any comment on its contents? (I hope that your comment is more substantive than your previous posts). [This link to Dr. Saul Green’s article](http://www.hcrc.org/contrib/green/burznew.html) was posted on the same day; have you investigated it? What is your comment? ---
**Author:** ![tracer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tracer/32/20578_2.png) [@tracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tracer)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2000, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092/58 "2000-05-13T19:12:34Z")
And on a related note, here’s a Quackwatch[TM] webpage containing [A Special Message for Cancer Patients Seeking “Alternative” Treatments](http://www.quackwatch.com/00AboutQuackwatch/altseek.html). Among other things, it contains two of the three links posted in the previous message to this thread, and a whole bunch of links to articles about questionable cancer treatments other than Antineoplastons. ---
**Author:** ![JonF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/cab0a1/32.png) [@JonF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JonF)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2000, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092/59 "2000-05-13T19:25:37Z")
> [@](#): > > I just want to have THE right to choose treatment without the intrusion of “know it all” bureacrats. I must be crazy. No, you need not be crazy … but do you _really_ think it would be a good idea to _not_ regulate medicines and medical treatment? Allow anybody to administer any therapy they can think up, for any price, to anyone to whom they can sell it? ---
**Author:** ![Smartass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4491bb/32.png) [@Smartass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smartass)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2000, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092/60 "2000-05-13T23:55:34Z")
**JonF:** > [@](#): > > No, you need not be crazy … but do you really think it would be a good idea to not regulate medicines and medical treatment? Allow anybody to administer any therapy they can think up, for any price, to anyone to whom they can sell it? I don’t know about Ms. Esterly, but I think it would be a great idea. Imagine… She could post to this board, everyone here could point her to links for information saying that the treatment was unproven and probably wouldn’t work. Then, [dramatic pause] she could make a decision based on her own opinion of this information. It is nice that everyone wants to look out for her, but it _is_ her life. What if this treatment works, but only for a particular cancer variant that is 1 of every 1000. What if hers is that one? Who are you, or the FDA, or anyone else to evaluate risks to her life _for her_? -VM [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-women-with-breast-cancer-denied-access-to-lifesaving-treatment/18092.md?page=4)