Professor David Khayat: "It's possible to thwart cancer"

You recently published a book The truth inquiry: you will never be afraid of cancer again. It's a bit provocative, is not it?

I built my book as a survey and a "novel" so that people can better understand all the aspects and new concepts of this disease. The idea is that ... when we understand the operation, the motivations and the weapons used by his enemy, we are stronger to face him. It is important to remember that all cancers result, initially, from the degradation of the genetic inheritance of a cell in the body. Many factors can be responsible for this alteration.

Still prevent cancer is not just eating broccoli and jogging?

You are referring to this new science that is epigenetics. Dozens of factors can contribute to the development of cancer; Prevention will necessarily involve much more complex behaviors than simply changing the diet and a little more exercise. But it has been shown scientifically that, for example, tobacco (20% of cases), alcohol (8% of cases), exposure to the sun, especially in childhood, the low vaccination rate against the HPV virus, obesity will affect the risk of developing cancer (Source: Cancers in France: the main facts and figures - Edition 2019).

According to you, cells are "sensitive" to emotions. Could this explain the impact of significant stress on the disease?

Our cells and the person that we are form a whole. So, everything that happens to us, happiness but also annoyances, sorrows ..., the cells live it too. We speak of cellular intelligence. This is the reason why one or more important stress, negative or lasting emotions can be at the origin of the increased risk of developing cancer.

You give a real place to alternative medicines. Why this choice ?

We have seen, we are a whole. Chinese medicine, acupuncture, yoga, sophrology ..., which in no way replace conventional treatments, can help the patient to cross this path often very painful, chemotherapy, radiology, hair loss ... More than 63% of suffer from sequelae due to cancer or treatment (Source: Cancers in France: the main facts and figures - Edition 2019). So all allies are welcome.

What place do you place on artificial intelligence in the management of cancer?

Today, it is relatively weak but it is clear that the prospects are unlimited, especially in the aid to diagnosis. On the other hand, it will never replace the unique relationship between the patient and his doctor.