A viral post circulating on social media claims that Navjot Kaur Sidhu, the wife of Indian politician and former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu, was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer and given just a 3% chance of survival. Navjot’s claim further asserts that his wife cured herself within 40 days by consuming lemon water, raw turmeric, apple cider vinegar, neem leaves, and tulsi.
The video along with the message has been virally shared on WhatsApp as well.
This viral claim has spread rapidly across social media platforms, particularly in India and other South Asian countries where traditional remedies are often discussed alongside modern medicine. Given the serious nature of cancer treatment and the potential impact of such claims on public health, we decided to investigate this matter.
Fact-Check
Navjot Kaur Sidhu’s actual health condition
In April 2023, Navjot Kaur Sidhu publicly confirmed her February 2023 diagnosis of stage II invasive cancer—not stage IV, the most advanced and life-threatening stage. She underwent surgery and medical treatment, which was well-documented through interviews and reports. Neither she nor her family ever mentioned using the diet described in the viral claim (Source). Also, The Tribune India reported her diagnosis and treatment details. She credited her recovery to early detection and medical care, not alternative remedies.
Can cancer be cured in 40 days using a natural diet?
Cancer is a complex disease that requires scientifically proven treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies. No medical evidence or peer-reviewed studies support the idea that stage IV cancer—or any cancer—can be cured through dietary changes alone, particularly in just 40 days.
While certain natural ingredients like turmeric, lemon water, apple cider vinegar, neem leaves, and tulsi contain beneficial compounds with anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties, scientific research does not support their use as standalone cancer treatments. None of these substances can replace proven medical interventions for cancer therapy. (Source: ASCO)
Expert Comments
Dr. L.P.A. Karunatilake (BAMS Colombo, MS Shalya, PhD India), who specializes in general surgery, urology, and anorectal diseases, clarified to the Fact Crescendo team: “I received many inquiries about this statement. While according to Ayurvedic theories this could be possible, it is not a prescribed treatment for cancer (Arbuda). Curing cancer requires many factors working together. Personal immunity is one of the most important factors. This immunity can be strengthened through proper diet, mental well-being, viharana (behavioral patterns), and medicines. However, this treatment may not be effective for all types of cancer.”
On November 23rd, a team of 262 oncologists led by Dr. C.S. Pramesh from Tata Memorial Hospital issued a joint statement challenging these claims, emphasizing their complete lack of scientific evidence and credible data.
embed: https://x.com/cspramesh/status/1860244173481218453
Dr. Ramesh Sarin, surgical oncologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, discusses the case in context of breast cancer treatment. She emphasizes that while modern cancer treatments have improved survival rates from 20% to 70-90% through proven methods like chemotherapy and immunotherapy, unproven dietary treatments can be dangerous. Cancer treatment requires personalized medical approaches, proper clinical trials, and long-term monitoring, with recent research showing exercise may help reduce relapse rates while dietary interventions alone show limited effectiveness. (Source: Indianexpress)
Specific Survival Rate Statistics for Stage II vs. Stage IV Cancer
Cancer staging is an important tool used to determine treatment plans and likely outcomes. Data from the American Cancer Society shows varying survival rates between different stages. For breast cancer, the 5-year relative survival rate for Stage II (localized) is 99%, compared to 30% for Stage IV (metastatic) where cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Similar patterns are observed in other types of cancer, demonstrating the importance of early detection and proper staging. (Source: American Cancer Society)
The Fact Crescendo Team regularly investigates and disproves claims about natural cancer remedies because these assertions have no scientific basis and may cause patients to delay essential medical treatments, such as claims that Vitamin B17 and Bitter Gourd can cure cancer. Similarly, viral messages claiming warm water can cure cancer dangerously oversimplify the complexities of cancer treatment, as highlighted in another fact-check here: As the viral message suggests, warm water cannot cure different illnesses!.
Conclusion
The viral claim about Navjot Kaur Sidhu curing stage IV cancer through natural remedies in 40 days is misleading. Evidence shows she had stage II cancer and received proper medical treatment, not alternative therapies. Medical experts have disputed this claim, noting that these home remedies lack scientific support.
Title:Sidhu’s Wife Natural Diet Cancer Curing is Misleading
Written By: Fact Crescendo TeamResult: Misleading
