The cancer war story.

John Ware reports on the battle between two medical philosophies over the treatment of breast cancer, and the distress of patients who were caught in its crossfire. The Bristol Cancer Help Centre, which provides psychological and social support for cancer patients, was the subject of an enquiry chaired by Prof. Tim McElwain, cancer specialist (Nottingham University). The enquiry found that patients who attended the Centre had a three times greater likelihood of relapse than those undergoing solely conventional treatment. But a re-examination of the enquiry's findings revealed errors in the compilation of data and raised questions concerning the role of financial interests in the enquiry's findings. The controversy remains unresolved and at the time the programme was made, the Centre was faced with closure.