Sonali Bendre is facing backlash after crediting autophagy for her cancer recovery, with medical professionals accusing her of promoting "quackery". Autophagy is the body's natural process of breaking down and recycling damaged cells. Bendre, who was diagnosed with stage four metastatic cancer in 2018 and declared cancer-free in 2019 after undergoing treatment in New York, shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) about how learning about autophagy and consulting a naturopath had aided her healing journey.
The actress's post sparked debate, with doctors arguing that naturopathy and autophagy are unproven methods for cancer treatment and that her statements could mislead vulnerable patients. Heptologist Cyriac Abby Philips, known as The Liver Doc on social media, reminded Bendre that she underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery at an advanced cancer treatment hospital. Philips stated that Bendre's cancer went into remission because of modern medicine, not naturopathy or autophagy. He also warned against fraudulent cancer treatments offered under the guise of naturopathy, which he described as quackery. Philips noted that these treatments can financially exploit patients and potentially harm them by delaying effective, evidence-based medical care and pointed out that the FDA has issued warnings regarding illegally sold cancer treatments.
In response to the criticism, Bendre issued a statement on Instagram, clarifying that she never claimed to be a doctor and is "certainly not a quack". She emphasized that she is a cancer survivor sharing her personal experience, not offering medical advice. Bendre stated that everything she has shared has been her experience and learning and that no two cancers or treatment paths are identical. She added that one of the protocols she personally explored, after thorough research and medical guidance, was autophagy, which made a difference for her then and continues to do so today.
Bendre called for open, respectful dialogue, stating that people don't have to agree but should avoid dismissing one another simply because they lean toward different approaches. She reiterated that each person must choose what feels right, safe, and empowering for them and that she will always share her journey with honesty and humility, never as a prescription, but as a lived experience.
While some social media users criticized Bendre for potentially influencing millions with unfounded medical claims, others defended her, stating that sharing her healing journey should not be taken as medical advice. Supporters also pointed out that she always motivates people to visit professional doctors and that her intention was to inspire hope. Bendre has reiterated that every cancer patient's experience is different and that medical treatment should always come first.
