Not Instead is an educational catalogue about folk and complementary methods used in cancer care. Its published methodology describes six steps for examining claims; the pages show an update date of 20 August 2026. The process starts by stating the exact claim and intended goal: treating a tumour, supporting symptoms, quality of life and prevention require different evidence. It then proposes looking for clinical guidelines, systematic reviews and human studies; checking safety and interactions separately; verifying the status of a product or method; and publishing limitations. Laboratory findings are labelled as hypotheses, not established effects in patients. The practical purpose is to help readers turn promotional language into a question they can discuss with their care team. The catalogue explicitly says it is not a ranking: a method’s presence is not a recommendation or endorsement. The project is educational; it does not prescribe treatment or determine whether a method is suitable for an individual. Medical decisions should be discussed with the treating professional. This information does not replace medical advice.
Project review
Not Instead: six steps for checking cancer-treatment claims
Not Instead is an educational catalogue about folk and complementary methods used in cancer care. Its published methodology describes six steps for examining claims; the pages show an update date of 20 August 2026. The process starts by stating the exact claim and intended goal: treating a tumour, supporting symptoms, quality of life and prevention require different evidence. It then proposes looking for clinical guidelines, systematic reviews and human studies; checking safety and interactions separately; verifying the status of a product or method; and publishing limitations. Laboratory findings are labelled as hypotheses, not established effects in patients. The practical purpose is to help readers turn promotional language into a question they can discuss with their care team. The catalogue explicitly says it is not a ranking: a method’s presence is not a recommendation or endorsement. The project is educational; it does not prescribe treatment or determine whether a method is suitable for an individual. Medical decisions should be discussed with the treating professional. This information does not replace medical advice.