BJP's Annamalai claims fasting cures cancer; doctors warn against it

Chetana Belagere

Jan 14, 2025

Health

Health

BJP leader K Annamalai has become the latest public figure to draw the ire of the medical community in the country after suggesting that fasting can “destroy” cancer cells.

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In clips circulating on social media since Tuesday, 13 January, the former IPS officer is seen claiming that a prolonged “Sashti or Shashti Vratham” fast can eliminate the disease entirely.

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The comments come despite repeated warnings from doctors asking public figures to refrain from making claims that could mislead patients and push them away from evidence-based treatment.

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Medical professionals immediately pushed back, terming it misinformation, and warned that cancer patients are especially vulnerable to nutritional loss and unsafe dietary restrictions.

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Oncologists and nutritionists told South First that there is no clinical evidence that fasting alone can cure cancer or replace standard treatments.