Apricot kernels may help fight cancer

Melbourne, Mar 7 : A man diagnosed with a rare, incurable lymphoma claims that he has been able to cheat death for 13 years by eating apricot kernels.

Paul Reid insists that the ''cancer-killing'' properties in the kernels, rich in vitamin B17, and a strict vegetarian diet have cured him, despite the doctors telling him he would live for just five more years.

"I don't think my journey has been unscientific, it's just that there's been no science in a big way applied to it,'' the Age quoted him as saying.

He added: '' We're not immortal, but I believe I'll be healthy from taking this direction.''

However, health experts are worried that Reid is among the growing number of cancer patients who are putting their faith in ''anti-cancer'' diets promoted by alternative health practitioners, which may not always work.

Amanda Hordern, director of the Cancer Council Victoria's information and support helpline, said: ''I've spoken to people who have mortgaged their houses looking for this wonder cure. I've heard of 20,000-dollar retreats where people go away and are taught how to have alternative diets that are unproven.

''People have asked us for financial assistance to pay for funerals because they've lost absolutely everything in pursuing the elusive hope and it hasn't worked.''

However, cancer patients like Reid argue there is no harm undergoing an organic treatment.

He said: ''So what if there's no scientific proof? What has a person to lose by going on an organic diet?'' he asks. ''I don't think my journey has been unscientific, it's just that there's been no science in a big way applied to it.''