It takes more than an apple

This one arrived on Whatsapp, shared by someone I know who has had a malignancy diagnosis:

Kerala's noted oncologist and Dr. P.V. Gangadharan, who is fondly referred to as ‘Saint with a Stethoscope’ says:

(1) Avoid sugar. Cancer does not spread without sugar. Cancer will die on its own without sugar.

(2) Take a full lime and squeeze it into luke warm water. Take this for one to three months before breakfast. Maryland college of medicine says this is 1000 times more effective than chemotherapy.

(3) Take three spoons of organic or virgin coconut oil early morning and in the night to keep cancer at bay.

Make one of these choices, but be sure to avoid sugar.

I have been trying to spread this message for the last two years. Be sure to forward this important message. Avoid cancer.

Dr. P. V. Gangadharan

https://www.google.co.in/amp/s/www.deccanchronicle.com/amp/lifestyle/viral-and-trending/010717/a-road-less-travelled.html

Why do I suspect it's a fake message? 

1. The link opens to an article in Deccan Chronicle about Dr. V. P. Gangadharan but mentions none of the health tips. So the message was not an excerpt of the article - it just gives the impression of authenticity because it has the name of a real Oncologist and it has an article published in a reputed publication.  

2. That bit about 'I have been trying to spread this message for the last two years...' could perhaps be only about the tips by the anonymous sharer and not the article link itself, because the article about Dr. Gangadharan was published in Deccan Chronicle in July 2017 - less than a year ago at the time of publishing this post. 

3. The message gets the doctor's initials wrong. It's Dr. V.P. (not P.V.) Gangadharan. I know I'm nitpicking here on details, but I am wary of taking any advice that gets a doctor's name wrong. I am wary about whether they got the tips and the proportions right. 

4. All the above are my misgivings, but here's the doctor's clarification in his own words.  https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/don-t-fall-fake-cancer-cure-messages-my-name-oncologist-dr-gangadharan-75854

These messages are spread with the best of intentions, and some of the advice may not be harmful or have side effects, but if the message reaches the hands of a person with a malignancy diagnosis, it can play havoc with their emotions. 

If you receive it, please desist from forwarding it. 

(Also, ever noticed that when you list down all the health tips you get on Whatsapp, you will find that the many remedies and preventives - every one of them, in fact - is meant to be taken first thing in the morning?)