Former Model Nearly Dies After Attempting to Cure Cancer with Juice Diet

Irena Stoynova, a former model from Crondall, Hampshire, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, in June 2021. Instead of following the medical guidance to undergo conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy, she sought alternative therapies online, including a juice diet and holistic treatments.

Stoynova, 39, spent thousands on juicers and spent hours each day preparing liquid meals, believing it would clear her cancer. She also tried a raw diet, intermittent fasting, boiling herbs, and special teas in an attempt to cure her cancer. Stoynova was influenced by an American social media influencer who claimed the human body can 'heal itself' with lifestyle and diet changes.

After two-and-a-half years of following these alternative approaches, Stoynova became emaciated with fluid on her lungs and was on the verge of death when she was taken to the hospital by ambulance in May last year. Doctors at Frimley Park Hospital in the UK told her she would likely die without treatment for her stage three cancer, but she initially refused chemotherapy for several days before finally agreeing to receive it.

Why this matters: Stoynova's case highlights the dangers of relying on unproven alternative cancer treatments and the importance of following evidence-based medical advice. Her story serves as a cautionary tale for others who may be tempted to forgo traditional cancer treatments in favor of holistic approaches promoted online.

Stoynova spent 50 days in the hospital's acute dependency unit and is now in remission. She has warned others against 'cutting out' traditional medical advice and attempting to find alternative cancer treatments online, saying she 'almost died' from attempting to cure her own cancer with a juice diet. "The side effects from chemotherapy were a piece of cake compared to what I experienced from the holistic treatments," Stoynova said.

Doctors emphasized the importance of seeking evidence-based information from reliable sources like Lymphoma Action or Macmillan Cancer Support, as misinformation can spread quickly online. "Misinformation spreads faster than the truth. Evidence-based practice is essential," said Dr. Shireen Kassam, a consultant hematologist who treated Stoynova at Frimley Park Hospital.

Key Takeaways

• Irena Stoynova, 39, diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, opted for alternative therapies.
• Stoynova spent thousands on juicers, raw diet, fasting, herbs, teas to 'cure' cancer.
• After 2.5 years, Stoynova became emaciated and was on verge of death before hospital.
• Doctors urged chemotherapy, which Stoynova initially refused but later agreed to.
• Stoynova warns against forgoing traditional cancer treatments for unproven alternatives.