In this article, Roger addresses an important question often raised in the cancer community: Why don’t patient advocates promote “alternative” therapies?

His message is clear: if something is described as an “alternative” to standard medical care, it should be avoided. Therapies that truly work are tested, regulated, and recommended by doctors.

At the same time, Roger highlights natural compounds that have been developed into approved cancer medicines through science — including paclitaxel (yew tree), vinblastine and vincristine (periwinkle), etoposide (mayapple), eribulin (marine sponge), and trabectedin/Yondelis (sea squirt).