False Hope, Real Harm: How Online Misinformation Endangers Cancer Patients
Cancer misinformation: When it comes to cancer care, misinformation isn't just misleading—it can be deadly.
In the age of digital hyperconnectivity, a cancer diagnosis often triggers not just emotional and physical upheaval, but also a frantic Google search. And therein lies the danger. As cancer patients and their families grapple with fear and uncertainty, the internet can seem like a lifeline—but it is often a misleading one. From turmeric touted as a miracle cure to alkaline diets replacing chemotherapy, medical misinformation has become a hidden epidemic compounding the already monumental challenge of cancer care.
A Surge in Digital Misinformation
'Due to the prevalent use of smartphones and social media particularly WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube, numerous individuals in India depend on these channels for health information," says Dr Syed Ismail Nawab John, Clinical Lead & Senior Consultant, MGM Cancer Institute, Chennai. 'Regrettably, these platforms also serve as hotspots for inaccurate and unverified assertions related to cancer."
From urban WhatsApp groups to rural YouTube channels in vernacular languages, misinformation spreads swiftly, often disguised in the language of natural healing and traditional remedies. While holistic wellness has its place, bypassing evidence-based medicine can be fatal.
Dangerous Myths and Real-Life Consequences
'Many myths that circulate like 'you can cure cancer with an alkaline diet' or 'chemotherapy does more harm than good' are not just misleading but dangerous," warns Dr. Saravanan Periasamy, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology, SIMS Hospital, Chennai,. 'I have witnessed patients delay important treatment or withdraw therapy entirely because of something they read on a random blog or received via forwards. These choices can be life-threatening."
Among the most harmful beliefs, says Dr. Nawab John, are claims like:
Cow urine (gomutra) can cure cancer — No scientific backing exists for this, yet it remains alarmingly popular.
Turmeric can replace chemotherapy — While turmeric has anti-inflammatory benefits, it is not a standalone cancer cure.
Cancer is caused solely by sugar — Overconsumption of sugar is unhealthy, but it doesn't 'feed' cancer the way many believe.
Natural remedies can completely treat cancer — Herbs may aid wellness, but they cannot substitute for surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
These myths have real-world consequences. 'Particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, patients postpone or abandon conventional treatments," says Dr. Nawab John. 'By the time they return, their disease has often progressed to a much more advanced stage, reducing survival chances drastically."
bThe reasons for the belief in online myths are multi-layered. As Dr. Nawab John points out, 'Factors include fear of side effects from conventional treatments, low health literacy, deep-rooted cultural or religious beliefs in natural remedies, and a lack of access to reliable medical professionals."
Additionally, the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis often makes patients and caregivers vulnerable to the allure of 'miracle cures." In many cases, people prefer comfort over confrontation—choosing friendly-sounding advice over complex, often painful treatment plans.
How the Medical Community Can Respond
Both doctors agree: the solution is not shaming but sensitization.
'Healthcare providers and caregivers must adopt a proactive, non-judgmental approach," says Dr. Nawab John. This includes:
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Listening actively to understand a patient's fears and beliefs.
Addressing myths with empathy and clear, simple facts.
Providing credible sources, such as verified websites or multilingual educational materials.
Encouraging second opinions from certified oncologists.
Using community engagement—including videos, talks, and moderated WhatsApp groups—to enhance awareness.
Dr. Periasamy concurs: 'The internet is not a substitute for a trained medical oncologist. Cancer treatment is complex and needs to be individualized. My advice to patients and caregivers is simple—trust science, not sensationalism. When in doubt, always ask your doctor."
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The battle against cancer is hard enough without having to also combat misinformation. It's a tragic irony that in a world overflowing with data, the signal is so often drowned out by the noise. But as Dr. Nawab John rightly says, 'The answer lies in education, compassion, and the availability of reliable health information."
Empowering patients with accurate, accessible knowledge could be the most powerful treatment of all.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi
The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
June 08, 2025, 08:03 IST
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False Hope, Real Harm: How Online Misinformation Endangers Cancer Patients
Cancer misinformation: When it comes to cancer care, misinformation isn't just misleading—it can be deadly. In the age of digital hyperconnectivity, a cancer diagnosis often triggers not just emotional and physical upheaval, but also a frantic Google search. And therein lies the danger. As cancer patients and their families grapple with fear and uncertainty, the internet can seem like a lifeline—but it is often a misleading one. From turmeric touted as a miracle cure to alkaline diets replacing chemotherapy, medical misinformation has become a hidden epidemic compounding the already monumental challenge of cancer care. A Surge in Digital Misinformation 'Due to the prevalent use of smartphones and social media particularly WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube, numerous individuals in India depend on these channels for health information," says Dr Syed Ismail Nawab John, Clinical Lead & Senior Consultant, MGM Cancer Institute, Chennai. 'Regrettably, these platforms also serve as hotspots for inaccurate and unverified assertions related to cancer." From urban WhatsApp groups to rural YouTube channels in vernacular languages, misinformation spreads swiftly, often disguised in the language of natural healing and traditional remedies. While holistic wellness has its place, bypassing evidence-based medicine can be fatal. Dangerous Myths and Real-Life Consequences 'Many myths that circulate like 'you can cure cancer with an alkaline diet' or 'chemotherapy does more harm than good' are not just misleading but dangerous," warns Dr. Saravanan Periasamy, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology, SIMS Hospital, Chennai,. 'I have witnessed patients delay important treatment or withdraw therapy entirely because of something they read on a random blog or received via forwards. These choices can be life-threatening." Among the most harmful beliefs, says Dr. Nawab John, are claims like: Cow urine (gomutra) can cure cancer — No scientific backing exists for this, yet it remains alarmingly popular. Turmeric can replace chemotherapy — While turmeric has anti-inflammatory benefits, it is not a standalone cancer cure. Cancer is caused solely by sugar — Overconsumption of sugar is unhealthy, but it doesn't 'feed' cancer the way many believe. Natural remedies can completely treat cancer — Herbs may aid wellness, but they cannot substitute for surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. These myths have real-world consequences. 'Particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, patients postpone or abandon conventional treatments," says Dr. Nawab John. 'By the time they return, their disease has often progressed to a much more advanced stage, reducing survival chances drastically." bThe reasons for the belief in online myths are multi-layered. As Dr. Nawab John points out, 'Factors include fear of side effects from conventional treatments, low health literacy, deep-rooted cultural or religious beliefs in natural remedies, and a lack of access to reliable medical professionals." Additionally, the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis often makes patients and caregivers vulnerable to the allure of 'miracle cures." In many cases, people prefer comfort over confrontation—choosing friendly-sounding advice over complex, often painful treatment plans. How the Medical Community Can Respond Both doctors agree: the solution is not shaming but sensitization. 'Healthcare providers and caregivers must adopt a proactive, non-judgmental approach," says Dr. Nawab John. This includes: Advertisement Listening actively to understand a patient's fears and beliefs. Addressing myths with empathy and clear, simple facts. Providing credible sources, such as verified websites or multilingual educational materials. Encouraging second opinions from certified oncologists. Using community engagement—including videos, talks, and moderated WhatsApp groups—to enhance awareness. Dr. Periasamy concurs: 'The internet is not a substitute for a trained medical oncologist. Cancer treatment is complex and needs to be individualized. My advice to patients and caregivers is simple—trust science, not sensationalism. When in doubt, always ask your doctor." The Way Forward top videos View All The battle against cancer is hard enough without having to also combat misinformation. It's a tragic irony that in a world overflowing with data, the signal is so often drowned out by the noise. But as Dr. Nawab John rightly says, 'The answer lies in education, compassion, and the availability of reliable health information." Empowering patients with accurate, accessible knowledge could be the most powerful treatment of all. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 08, 2025, 08:03 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness False Hope, Real Harm: How Online Misinformation Endangers Cancer Patients
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