Health and safety regulators are warning consumers of fake cancer treatments being sold online

Regulators have found 65 fake health products circulating the web that are falsely advertised as cancer treatments.

“Miraculously kills cancer cell in tumours,” “more effective than chemotherapy” – These kinds of potentially fraudulent and unsubstantiated claims are being used to advertise alternative cancer remedies, and the concern is that the vulnerable are being preyed upon.

A disturbing deceit…

This is a sickening ploy targeted at vulnerable patients and their families who have already suffered at the hands of the horrific disease. Cancer sufferers already have very difficult lives as they have to make the decision to undertake lengthy and corrosive radiotherapy, or to let the disease consume their lives. Whilst modern medicine still lags behind, patients sometimes have no choice but to look for alternative miracle treatments. For some sufferers, it may seem like their last chance.

Heartless sellers online are reportedly marketing their non-approved cancer drugs as legitimate remedies to cure, treat, or prevent cancer. While consumers may be duped into thinking they are authentic, regulators have revealed that the various pills, creams, and teas have not been tested and/or approved by drug authorities. These drugs are more than likely ineffective, or in the worse-case scenario, could possibly do more harm than good.

Whilst these ‘alternative’ herbal remedies are probably just vegetable extracts and creams, they could also be a lot more harmful than expected. When considering cancer patients are already likely to be taking prescription drugs, adding these fake remedies may create a lethal concoction.

What actions are being taken?

65 of these unapproved products have been identified by regulators who have sent out warning letters to the 14 manufacturers behind them. The letters warn the organisations to remove the false marketing and say that “failure to promptly correct these violations may result in enforcement action without further notice, such as seizure and/or injunction”.

One of the companies responsible for the allegedly fraudulent marketing, Bio Star Organix, spoke out about the warning:

“The only thing we can do is comply and remove the verbiage. It removes information for the public to make informed decisions about products that could help them.”

This comes from the company who sells a herbal remedy that supposedly “attacks cancer at the DNA level” resulting in “a more comprehensive cancer inhibition therapy.”

Preying on the desperate

One regulator has issued a statement recognising that the manufacturers are preying on desperate and vulnerable cancer sufferers who would “jump at anything that appears to offer a chance for a cure.” For someone who may have suffered with the disease for years, they may think they have nothing else to lose.

Regulators are aware that there are cancer sufferers who do not want to undertake abrasive chemotherapy treatment in favour of more ‘natural’ and ‘earthly’ remedies. Searching the web, these kinds of reportedly fake cancer remedies may seem like an answer to their prayers. This creates a dangerous situation where the cancer sufferer may be prevented from seeking proper diagnosis and treatment.

Unfortunately, this kind of behaviour still continues whether or not regulators get involved. Manufacturers driven by financial gain may heed warnings and shut up shop on one site, but they may just move their business under a different name. Whilst regulators attempt to nip these issues in the bud before they manage to grow and spread, consumers must remain vigilant. In a place like the World Wide Web, perception of ethics and responsibility can be somewhat warped.

These manufacturers and deceptive companies have a responsibility to their customers for the products they provide. Products to be consumed or applied to the body must be clearly labelled in its use and effect. If you have used a fraudulent product and it has caused you harm or injury, talk to one of our solicitors to see how we can help you recover financial compensation.