From Farrah Fawcett to Suzanne Somers: Is Alternative Medicine Safe?

April 7, 2009— -- When traditional medicine fails, is it worthwhile to pursue potentially risky treatments in hopes of curing a chronic or even deadly disease?

A growing number of Americans are saying yes.

Actress Farrah Fawcett is lying in a Los Angeles hospital reportedly recovering from cancer treatments she received in Germany. Her anal cancer, back after a brief remission in 2007, has spread to her liver.

But it was reportedly the unconventional treatment she received, not the cancer, that landed her in the hospital this week.

Her cancer specialist Dr. Lawrence Piro said that she traveled to Germany for a "simple procedure" and a standard one, but that she also pursued experimental treatments while she was there.

One of those treatments, he said, resulted in abdominal bleeding and a hematoma. Despite the latest setback, he said, "she's continuing to fight the battle."

"She's doing well, continuing to fight and showing incredible resolve," he said.

An estimated 38 percent of Americans have used some sort of alternative therapy for a chronic ailment, some using simple treatments in the form of vitamin supplements, exercise, changes in attitude and diet.

Luanne Panessi, a nurse, is one of those Americans who decided to try alternative medicine.

"When I first started I was skeptical," Panessi said.

She was suffering from hepatitis B and wanted to avoid the harsh after-effects from routine hepatitis treatments.

"Instead of waiting for something to happen and getting treated with synthetic medications that have a litany of side effects, I decided to heal my body naturally," Panessi said.

The nurse believes the treatment is helping her.

"I have more mental clarity, I feel great and what better way to treat an illness than a way that makes you feel this good and gives you a sense of clarity," Panessi said.