Angie Best's Health Update During Colon Cancer Battle
Angie Best has provided her latest health update while undergoing a second round of chemotherapy in her ongoing battle with colon cancer. The 73-year-old, who is the ex-wife of late Manchester United legend George Best and mother of television personality Calum Best, has travelled to Switzerland for an unconventional cancer treatment known as mistletoe therapy.
Alternative Treatment Approach in Switzerland
Mistletoe therapy, which utilises extracts from the European mistletoe plant, represents an alternative cancer treatment that has been employed in Europe for several decades, particularly within Germany, Switzerland and Austria. While some medical practitioners believe it can stimulate the immune system and enhance quality of life for cancer patients, its effectiveness remains subject to debate within mainstream medical circles.
This treatment is not a standard, approved cancer therapy on the NHS, as major UK cancer bodies consider robust evidence of its curative effectiveness to be inconclusive. Angie is currently utilising this approach alongside conventional chemotherapy treatments.
Personal Affirmations and Medical Updates
From her Swiss hospital, Angie has shared a series of medical updates, including a morning affirmation directed toward her body as she contends with the after-effects of chemotherapy. In a video shared with Instagram followers, she expressed gratitude and determination, stating: 'Thank you for fighting this battle with me, to show I'm grateful, and to ask for more help in gaining weight, because if I don't gain weight I have to drink this chemical food that they want me to drink and it doesn't sit well with me at all.'
She continued with an encouraging message: 'I'd prefer to do it the natural way, which to me seems right, but it's all a battle, it is all a battle homies, but it's not one we can't win, and we will win. And if you're fighting any battles out there today homies, just know, this too will pass, and you will win, and we will win. I love you, homies.'
Family Support and Diagnosis Revelation
Her son, former Celebrity Big Brother star Calum Best, revealed his mother's diagnosis in an emotional video posted to social media in January. The visibly distressed television personality shared: 'A few weeks ago, my beautiful, wonderful mum was diagnosed with cancer. For as long as I can remember, she has lived her life rooted in health, fitness and wellbeing. She has always believed in taking care of the body, mind and soul. But as we all know, cancer doesn't discriminate.'
Calum further explained: 'It doesn't care where you're from, how you live, or how healthy you try to be. And now, it's here – and it's with my mum.' He disclosed that his mother has been diagnosed with colon cancer that has spread to her liver.
Financial Challenges and Public Support
The reality star admitted to experiencing significant emotional turmoil since his mother's diagnosis, revealing he 'hasn't cried in years' but has been on an 'emotional rollercoaster' throughout this period. To address the financial challenges associated with specialist treatment, Calum established a GoFundMe page to help cover medical costs.
He explained the necessity for public support: 'To move forward, we need access to specialist care and professionals who can offer the right treatment. This is incredibly hard for me to say, but financially, I can't carry this on my own.' The fundraising initiative aims to provide access to specialists, treatment and care during this challenging health journey.
Understanding Colon Cancer
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, affects the large bowel comprising the colon and rectum. Tumours typically develop from pre-cancerous growths called polyps, with symptoms including:
- Bleeding from the bottom or blood in stools
- A change in bowel habits lasting at least three weeks
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme, unexplained tiredness
- Abdominal pain
While most cases have no clear cause, certain factors increase risk, including being over 50, having a family history of the condition, personal history of bowel polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or leading an unhealthy lifestyle. Treatment typically involves surgery alongside chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
According to Bowel Cancer UK statistics, more than 41,200 people receive a bowel cancer diagnosis annually within the United Kingdom. Survival rates demonstrate significant variation based on diagnosis stage, with more than ninety percent of stage one bowel cancer patients surviving five years or more post-diagnosis. Unfortunately, only approximately one third of colorectal cancers are identified at this early stage, with most diagnoses occurring after the disease has spread beyond the colon or rectum wall, thereby reducing successful treatment prospects.
