Trusted Voices: How health misinformation can impact on people living with cancer
Increasing numbers of people are using animal dewormer and a drug used to treat scabies as an alternative cancer treatment as a result of misinformation online.
A BBC News investigation this summer found that fenbendazole and ivermectin are being sold and promoted as unproven cancer treatments. An undercover journalist was able to buy the drugs from a stairlift salesman in south Wales, and also found them for sale on Amazon.
Fighting misinformation online
In its report, the BBC Wales Investigates team said they had seen videos and social posts with thousands - sometimes millions - of views, with unproven claims that these medicines could help treat cancer.
Macmillan Cancer Support said it was concerned by the findings and that a growing number of people were asking about the medicines, despite "no clinical evidence" that they work.
The charity said in a LinkedIn post the coverage “has shone an important light on a growing issue: health misinformation and the impact it can have on people living with cancer.
“Cancer can be frightening. While we have highly effective treatments for many cancers, we know people facing a diagnosis may understandably search for hope wherever they can find it. Unfortunately, misinformation online can leave people vulnerable to dangerous claims.”
‘We know a hundred ways that Ivermectin can harm a person with cancer’
Professor Richard Simcock, Chief Medical Officer for Macmillan Cancer Support, was quoted in the article. He has made it clear there is no clinical evidence that ivermectin or fenbendazole treats cancer. Obtaining medicines from unregulated or unverified sources carries significant risks.
These drugs may also interact with cancer treatments, potentially compromising their effectiveness.
He later wrote on LinkedIn: “We know a hundred ways that Ivermectin can harm a person with cancer. We haven't yet seen one way it can help control their disease.
“I wish we didn't have to talk about this. I wish we had shared understanding about how science helps us understand what works and what doesn't, and that didn't become a debate.”
He added that he had been contacted by colleagues around the UK to say they have seen people using these drugs.
‘This is why trusted information matters’
PIF partner Macmillan Cancer Support said: “This is why trusted, evidence-based information matters. We're committed to making sure everyone affected by cancer can access independent, verified advice from healthcare professionals they can trust.”
They issued this advice:
- If you're considering any complementary or alternative treatment, speak to your clinical team first.
- Specially trained nurses on our free, confidential Support Line are also here to help people understand the evidence, ask questions and make informed decisions.
- You can also find information about this on our website.