Suzanne Somers was a household name, celebrated for her roles in Three’s Company and Step by Step, and also for her work as a health and wellness advocate. Behind her vibrant personality and success, however, was a profound and enduring battle with breast cancer. Her approach to treating her illness set her apart, as she chose non-traditional treatments over mainstream methods. Her advocacy for natural and alternative health options made her a polarizing figure, but her commitment to self-directed healing and education left a lasting impact on wellness communities worldwide. This article delves into her health journey, her treatments, and her broader influence on alternative medicine.
Initial Breast Cancer Diagnosis in 2000
In 2000, Suzanne Somers was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. The diagnosis came as a shock to her fans and to Somers herself, who had long maintained a lifestyle she believed to be healthy and holistic. For many, a diagnosis of breast cancer leads to a difficult decision about treatment options, with chemotherapy and radiation often being the recommended courses of action. Yet, for Somers, the idea of undergoing these standard treatments conflicted with her belief in natural health and her desire to avoid substances that might harm her body’s natural balance.
Somers chose surgery to remove the tumor, a more conventional step, but decided against chemotherapy and radiation due to her concerns about their potential side effects. She feared that chemotherapy, which works by targeting rapidly dividing cells, might do as much harm as good. Instead, she sought out alternative treatments that aligned with her principles of natural wellness.
Exploring Alternative Treatments: Iscador and Bioidentical Hormones
One of the primary treatments Somers chose after her diagnosis was Iscador, a mistletoe extract commonly used in parts of Europe as a complementary therapy for cancer. Iscador, which is derived from mistletoe plants, has been used in anthroposophic medicine—a form of alternative medicine that focuses on stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities. Proponents of Iscador argue that it can boost the immune system, improve quality of life, and potentially slow tumor growth. However, scientific evidence supporting Iscador’s effectiveness is limited, and it remains a controversial choice in the medical community.
In addition to Iscador, Somers also pursued bioidentical hormone therapy, which would become one of her hallmark recommendations. Bioidentical hormones are lab-produced compounds that are chemically identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. Somers believed that hormone balance was essential to overall health and aging, and she advocated for bioidentical hormones as a safer, more “natural” alternative to synthetic hormones. She argued that bioidentical hormones could alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, such as mood swings, fatigue, and low libido, and might even play a role in cancer prevention and management.
Somers’ approach to treatment drew both admiration and criticism. While some applauded her courage and independence in choosing a path less traveled, others were concerned that her decisions could influence vulnerable patients to forego scientifically backed treatments. The American Cancer Society and other organizations expressed concern, stating that bioidentical hormone therapy and alternative treatments like Iscador had not been proven to effectively treat or prevent cancer.
Suzanne Somers as an Advocate: Writing, Speaking, and Educating
Suzanne Somers turned her personal health experiences into a platform for advocacy, sharing her insights and treatment choices with the world. Her books, including Knockout: Interviews with Doctors Who Are Curing Cancer and Ageless: The Naked Truth About Bioidentical Hormones, were designed to educate readers on alternative medicine and empower them to take control of their health. Somers interviewed doctors who practiced alternative medicine, holistic practitioners, and patients who had explored non-conventional treatments. Her goal was to bring attention to medical alternatives and encourage others to make informed choices based on their own values and beliefs.
Somers’ books reached millions, and her willingness to speak candidly about her health struggles resonated with people facing similar diagnoses. Many found her advice refreshing and her confidence inspiring, seeing her as a figure who challenged conventional wisdom and encouraged critical thinking about health care options.
However, her advocacy also sparked controversy. Critics worried that her messages could mislead people with cancer or other serious conditions into forgoing life-saving treatments. They argued that her influence might inadvertently promote mistrust in conventional medicine, which, despite its flaws, is often supported by rigorous scientific testing and peer-reviewed research.
Recurrence of Breast Cancer in 2023: Facing the Disease Once More
In 2023, Somers announced that her breast cancer had returned. This recurrence, more than two decades after her initial diagnosis, reignited public interest in her health journey and the decisions she had made. At this time, Somers continued to adhere to her philosophy of natural and alternative health care. Her choice to avoid chemotherapy and radiation remained firm, even as she faced the disease once more.
The recurrence underscored the complexity of her approach and raised questions about the long-term effectiveness of alternative treatments. Some of her supporters believed that her lifestyle choices and alternative treatments had helped her stave off cancer for over 20 years, while critics saw it as evidence that her methods might not have been sufficient in the fight against a relentless disease like cancer.
Other Health Challenges: Hyperparathyroidism and Physical Injuries
Suzanne Somers’ health struggles extended beyond cancer. She was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which the parathyroid glands produce an excess of parathyroid hormone, leading to elevated calcium levels in the blood. Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism can include fatigue, bone pain, kidney stones, and mood disturbances. Somers approached this condition as she did with her cancer, seeking holistic treatment options that aligned with her belief in natural healing and bodily balance.
In addition, Somers experienced a serious fall that left her with a fractured hip and subsequent physical challenges. Despite these setbacks, she continued to emphasize the importance of positive thinking, resilience, and a commitment to wellness. She credited her lifestyle choices with helping her recover and maintain her quality of life, even in the face of significant health obstacles.
Understanding the Science and Skepticism Behind Alternative Treatments
While Suzanne Somers’ choices reflected her personal beliefs and experiences, they also highlighted a broader debate in medicine. Alternative treatments like bioidentical hormones, Iscador, and other holistic approaches remain topics of interest in cancer research, but they lack the extensive research and approval that conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation have received.
Iscador, for instance, has been studied in European clinical trials, with some findings suggesting it may improve quality of life for cancer patients. However, these studies are often limited in size, and results have been mixed. Similarly, bioidentical hormones are popular in the wellness community, yet the FDA has expressed concern about their safety and effectiveness, as they are not subject to the same rigorous testing as FDA-approved synthetic hormones.
Suzanne Somers’ Lasting Impact on Health and Wellness
Suzanne Somers leaves behind a complex legacy in the world of health and wellness. Her life demonstrated an unwavering commitment to self-directed healing and advocacy for personal health autonomy. She was outspoken in her belief that people should have the right to make informed choices about their bodies and their health care, even if those choices defied conventional wisdom.
For many, Somers’ story is a source of hope and inspiration, showing that it is possible to live well and pursue alternative treatments with courage. Others view her approach as a reminder of the importance of evidence-based medicine and the potential risks of deviating from established treatments.
Lessons from Suzanne Somers’ Health Journey
The lessons from Suzanne Somers’ health journey are multifaceted. Her story encourages a deeper examination of the choices we make regarding health and wellness, and highlights the importance of informed decision-making. For patients considering alternative treatments, her journey is a reminder of the need to weigh the potential benefits and risks carefully and consult with medical professionals.
While her choices were controversial, they also brought awareness to alternative medicine, holistic treatments, and the importance of mental and emotional well-being in the face of illness. Her openness about her health struggles fostered conversations about the limitations and strengths of both conventional and alternative medicine.
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FAQs
What type of cancer was Suzanne Somers diagnosed with?
Suzanne Somers was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer in 2000. She chose to treat it with surgery to remove the tumor but declined chemotherapy and radiation in favor of alternative treatments.
Why did Suzanne Somers choose alternative treatments instead of chemotherapy and radiation?
Somers was concerned about the potential side effects of chemotherapy and radiation and believed in natural healing methods. She felt that alternative treatments would align better with her holistic approach to health, focusing on treatments that she believed would enhance her body’s natural healing abilities.
What alternative treatments did Suzanne Somers pursue?
Somers used a treatment called Iscador, a mistletoe extract used in Europe to complement cancer therapy, and bioidentical hormone therapy. She believed these treatments helped restore balance to her body and reduce her cancer symptoms, though they were controversial in the medical community.
What is Iscador, and is it effective for cancer treatment?
Iscador is an extract derived from mistletoe plants and is used in some European countries as a complementary cancer therapy. Some proponents claim it can boost the immune system and improve quality of life, but scientific evidence on its effectiveness is limited, and it is not widely endorsed by conventional medical organizations.
What are bioidentical hormones, and why did Suzanne Somers advocate for them?
Bioidentical hormones are lab-made hormones chemically identical to those the body naturally produces. Somers promoted bioidentical hormone therapy as a safer, more natural option for managing menopause symptoms and maintaining hormone balance, though the medical community remains cautious about its risks and benefits.
Conclusion
Suzanne Somers’ life and health choices continue to be a topic of discussion in both the medical and wellness communities. She represented a unique blend of Hollywood glamour and health advocacy, bringing attention to issues that were once considered taboo or fringe. Her influence encouraged many to explore alternative health paths and question traditional approaches, making her a pioneer in the health and wellness movement.
While opinions about her choices may differ, Suzanne Somers’ legacy is one of resilience, self-advocacy, and a dedication to helping others find their own path to wellness. Her journey reminds us that every health decision is deeply personal, and that the pursuit of wellness is often a balancing act between the known and the unknown. Whether through her television roles or her health advocacy, Suzanne Somers will be remembered for her boldness and commitment to living life on her own terms.
