'I am certainly not a quack': Sonali Bendre reacts to backlash against her autophagy post on cancer cure

Sonali Bendre

Sonali Bendre has released a clarification after sharing a post on Autophagy, an alternative therapeutic approach for healing, and claiming that it helped her fight cancer. Medical professionals criticised the actor's post, accusing her of promoting 'quackery'. They stated that naturopathy and autophagy have not been demonstrated to cure cancer. Sonali has now published a statement stating that she is not a 'quack' and will continue to discuss her journey openly.

Sonali Bendre issues a statement

Sonali Bendre took to her X account and penned a statement which read, "I have never claimed to be a doctor, but I am certainly not a quack either. I am a cancer survivor, someone who has lived through the fear, pain, uncertainty, and rebuilding that the disease brings."

She added, "Everything I have ever spoken has been my experience and my learning. As I've repeatedly said, no two cancers are the same, and no treatment path is identical. One of the many protocols I personally explored, after thorough research and medical guidance, was autophagy. It made a difference for me them and continues to do so today, for me."

She further quipped, "What truly matters is open, respectful dialogue. We don't all have to agree, but we should avoid dismissing one another simply because we lean toward different approaches. Each person must choose what feels right, safe and empowering for them. I will always share my journey with honesty and humility, never as a prescription, but as a lived experience."

What had happened

It all started when doctors reacted sharply to the actor's remark on social media. Heptologist Cyriac Abby Philips, also known as The Liver Doc on Twitter, reminded the actor that she used modern therapy to treat her cancer.

"Naturopathy is a quackery. Fraudulent cancer treatments offered under the guise of naturopathy are a serious issue, with numerous reported cases of patients being financially exploited and potentially harmed by delaying effective, evidence-based medical care. The FDA has issued multiple warning letters to inform patients regarding illegally sold cancer treatments," they added. Multiple doctors shared the same insight.

Sonali was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cancer in 2018. In 2021, she was cancer-free after receiving therapy at a New York City facility. Following her recovery, she has worked to raise awareness and support for cancer survivors.