41% of fast-tracked cancer drugs fail to improve survival or quality of life, study finds

(Naturalhealth365)  In an ideal world, medications undergo extensive testing and rigorous clinical trials as part of a strict regulatory approval process before they are greenlit for prescription to the masses.  At least, this is how it normally goes – or should go – but in certain circumstances, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will approve medications by “fast-tracking” them before they’ve been thoroughly tested.

This is particularly true in the case of cancer drugs, as from the FDA’s perspective, anything that shows promise is desirable.  However, it is mindboggling to find out that, according to a recent report, at least 41% of fast-tracked cancer drugs since 2013 have not shown improvement in the recovery or quality of life for those who took them.

Let’s examine why this matters, why it’s a problem, and what you can do to fight or prevent cancer.

Why are drugs fast-tracked?

On the surface, the purpose of fast-tracking medication is to get it to people who largely have no other recourse.  One example of this practice is when clinical trials are opened for a promising drug, and cancer patients are screened for viability to be included. Many of these patients are told there are no other treatment options for them.  They are told they would otherwise have an extremely bleak outlook.  So their inclusion in these trials can be a sort of last-ditch effort.

The FDA changed its criteria for fast-tracking medication in the 2000s, basing the accelerated approval on drugs that show even a mild potential for positive treatment results in cancer cases.  Part of the issue with this is that the criteria for accelerated approval are not very stringent, and the evaluation of efficacy is done after the medication has been approved and administered.  After-the-fact testing in science is very rarely the gold standard or even good at all.

It is important to understand that many people are desperate for anything that could potentially help them in their fight against cancer.  However, it is also worth noting that many fast-tracked medications are given the go-ahead due to industry pressure on the FDA.  This is a clear conflict of interest, and it is unacceptable that over 41% of them are failures.

What’s behind the “medical mystery?”

The truth is that cancer has been a long-standing “medical mystery” that few industry stakeholders have a vested interest in finding a cure.  Despite being extremely well-funded, the American Cancer Society (ACS), for example, has struggled to fully explain what cancer is, what causes it, or how to cure it.  Let’s face it: the pharmaceutical industry has far more interest in keeping the cancer industry going by pumping out toxic, ineffective treatments than in finding a cure.

Admittedly, cancer is a complex situation.  But, with a holistic approach, you can recover with a plan of reducing the toxicity in your life; detoxifying the body and an effort to correct nutritional imbalances.

For instance, lifelong smokers are far more susceptible to developing lung cancer than non-smokers.  Yet, research suggests that even with this increased risk, cancer may not develop in the absence of inflammatory systemic states, such as those caused by a poor diet filled with processed foods.  Of course, to be clear, we’re not suggesting that smoking is “okay,” as long as you eat a healthy diet.  The best way to go is avoid smoking and eat an organic diet.

Similarly, someone genetically predisposed to breast cancer may not develop the disease if other inflammatory factors aren’t present to trigger it.  Simply put, lifestyle choices do matter!

Understanding these factors is crucial because cancer requires both a cause and stress to develop.  One of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of cancer is to minimize exposure to cancer-causing substances.  For example, one should avoid exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and other environmental toxins.  You can do this by ensuring that the food you buy is organic.  Plus, minimize your exposure to toxins found inside household and personal care products.

In addition: alcohol, despite any perceived benefits, can also lead to various physical and mental health problems, including systemic inflammation.

If you have a yard or a garden, do not use glyphosate (a toxic herbicide) or any other chemical herbicide, opting instead for natural ways of controlling weeds and bugs.  If you have a landscaper, verify that they do not use these products either.  If your neighbors or a nearby business is spraying, avoid being outside when they are doing so, as herbicides and pesticides can be carried on the wind for long distances.

Strategies to reduce cancer risk

Once you’ve taken steps to minimize your exposure to cancer-causing elements, it’s crucial to address stress factors.  Modern lives can be incredibly stressful, so practicing meditation is a good way to calm the mind and direct attention inward to manage stress.  Quality sleep is also vital for keeping stress levels down.

Maintaining a healthy, organic diet and avoiding processed foods and excessive sugar can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, which is another form of systemic stress.  Eating well can also aid in weight loss, lower the risk of diabetes and heart disease, and, importantly, reduce the risk of many types of cancer.

Regular exercise is another very effective way to reduce stress.  Although it may cause short-term inflammation, it helps to reduce systemic inflammation in the long run.

While living a clean, healthy lifestyle cannot guarantee complete protection against all cancers, it significantly reduces your risk factors.  By prioritizing healthy, organic eating, sufficient sleep, stress reduction, and regular exercise, you can not only help prevent cancer but also improve the effectiveness of any treatment you may undergo.

Editor’s note: If you’re concerned about cancer cell growth, I strongly suggest you listen to the best (holistic) cancer care experts in the world and discover the best ways to stop cancer naturally.  Own the Stop Cancer Docu-Class today – created by NaturalHealth365 Programs.

Sources for this article include:

Jamanetwork.com

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