Eating apricot kernels can help a person ward off cancer. Paul Reid, who was diagnosed with a rare, incurable lymphoma, states that by eating apricot kernels, he has been able to deceive death for 13 years. He claims that the doctors had told him that he would live for just five more years. But kernels, which are rich in vitamin B17 and possess 'cancer-killing' properties, and a strict vegetarian diet, have saved him.

However, health experts feel that lot of patients like Reid are going for 'anti-cancer' diets, which might not work always.

Director of the Cancer Council Victoria's Information and Support Helpline, Amanda Hordern, said, "I've spoken to people who have mortgaged their houses looking for this wonder cure. I've heard of 20,000-dollar retreats where people go away and are taught how to have alternative diets that are unproven. People have asked us for financial assistance to pay for funerals because they've lost absolutely everything in pursuing the elusive hope and it hasn't worked".

But cancer patients like Reid disagree and believe that there is no harm in adopting a natural treatment.

"So what if there's no scientific proof? What has a person to lose by going on an organic diet?", asks Reid.