Fraudulent Cancer Treatment Claims on the Internet

News from the FDA
Each week, Dr. Mike brings you the latest news from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration including alerts, new drug approvals, new drug indications, and first time generic drug approvals.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sent warning letters to 23 U.S. companies that are selling products online claiming to prevent and cure cancer. According to the FDA, "These warning letters are an important step to ensure that consumers do not become the victim of false 'cures' that may cause greater harm to their health."

Although some of these fraudulent cancer products are sold as dietary supplements and may be harmless, they can cause damage by delaying or interfering with proven cancer treatments.

Red Flags
Beware of exaggerated and bogus claims to promote these products such as:

• "Treats all forms of cancer"
• "Skin cancers disappear"
• "Shrinks malignant tumors"
• "Non-toxic"
• "Doesn't make you sick"
• "Avoid painful surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or other conventional treatments"

More Information from the FDA

• Beware of Online Cancer Fraud
• 125 Fake Cancer 'Cures' Consumers Should Avoid

Cancer Resources

• Cancer Information from About Guides
• National Cancer Institute