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News18
20 hours ago
- Health
- News18
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
India Today
23-04-2025
- Health
- India Today
What are stem cells and why are they a lifesaving cure for blood cancer?
Stem cell transplants have emerged as a vital treatment option, and often the only cure, for many patients battling blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and cells are often described as the body's master cells. These cells have the unique ability to develop into various types of cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, all of which are essential for the context of blood cancers, stem cells play a particularly critical role, not just in treatment but in offering a real shot at survival. "Stem cells are the parent cells of all blood cells in the body," explained Dr. Gopinath, Hemato-Oncologist at MGM Cancer Institute, Chennai. "They produce red blood cells that carry oxygen, white blood cells that fight infections, and platelets that help in clotting. They also support tissue healing and fight inflammation," he STEM CELLS HELP TREAT BLOOD CANCERBlood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma typically start in the bone marrow, the very place where stem cells live and produce healthy blood cells. Blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma typically start in the bone marrow, the very place where stem cells live and produce healthy blood cells. () advertisementTreatments like chemotherapy and radiation aim to kill cancer cells in the marrow but often end up damaging healthy cells too, wiping out the patient's ability to produce new blood."In such cases, we match a donor and infuse their healthy stem cells into the patient. These donor cells not only regenerate the patient's blood system but also help destroy any remaining cancer cells, a phenomenon known as the 'graft-versus-leukemia' effect," said Dr. to experts, stem cell donation is often the only curative option for patients with aggressive or relapsed blood cancers. Patients who cannot use their own cells, particularly when their marrow is cancerous, rely entirely on where matching stem cell registries and volunteers step in.'Stem cell donation helps rebuild a healthy immune system after intense cancer treatments. It allows doctors to use high-dose chemo or radiation safely, knowing that healthy stem cells can restore the blood system afterward,' said Dr. Deepak Kumar, Associate Professor at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini Kumar added that bone marrow transplants, a form of stem cell therapy, have long been used to treat blood-related diseases."In addition to blood cancers, stem cells are also being explored in areas like spinal cord repair, osteoarthritis, and even diabetes research. Their regenerative potential is immense," he said. Bone marrow transplants, a form of stem cell therapy, have long been used to treat blood-related diseases. () Two years ago, 25-year-old Abdul Khader from Calicut paused his Ramadan fast to donate stem cells, a decision that saved a life and brought new hope to a had registered as a potential donor with DKMS Foundation India in 2018. In 2022, he was found to be a match for a 50-year-old man in Kochi suffering from myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer where scar tissue builds up in the bone marrow, making it difficult to produce healthy blood it being Ramadan, Abdul understood the urgency. "Saving a life is the ultimate gift,' he said. 'I knew I had to do it. I can always make up my fast later, but this person needed help immediately.'Today, Abdul received the joyous news that the patient is cancer-free and living a healthy life with his is often only treatable through stem cell transplants,' said Dr. Neeraj Sidharthan, Hemato-Oncologist at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, who treated the patient. In the context of blood cancers, stem cells play a particularly critical role, not just in treatment but in offering a real shot at survival. () "In such procedures, healthy stem cells from a donor are infused into the patient to help resume normal blood production. Matching donors like Abdul are critical to the success of this treatment," added Dr. the blood stem cell transplant process Dr Sidharthan said, 'In a stem cell transplantation, healthy blood stem cells from a matching donor are infused into the patient to help resume healthy blood production. The best stem cell transplant outcomes happen when a patient's human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and the HLA of a potential donor match. This is much more complex than matching blood groups."About 30% of patients find an HLA-matched donor within the family. However, the rest, 70 % of the patients, can do a half-matched transplant or look for an unrelated donor with matched HLA."advertisementStem cells offer more than just medical treatment, they offer hope. For many battling blood cancers, a matched donor can mean the difference between life and science continues to harness the regenerative power of stem cells, the role of voluntary donors becomes even more vital for Reel
