Aug 3 2004
Researchers from the University of Exeter in England have found that cancer patients are being mislead by many popular health web sites providing bogus information to peddle alternative medicinal treatments.
The researchers reviewed 32 of the UK's most popular sites that promote alternative medicines and therapies.
The team have suggested that people who believe herbal remedies and alternative therapies will cure cancer are putting their health at further risk.
They found no evidence to support claims that alternatives such as shark cartilage, mistletoe and laetrile, could cure or prevent cancer.
"We found that between these 30-odd sites, 118 different cancer 'cures' were recommended - complementary treatment that claimed to be able to cure cancer," Professor Ernst told The Times of London.
This follows the release of a paper this week showing that more than one-third of U.S. adults use some form of alternative medicine such as herbal supplements and other therapies.
Advances in bladder cancer treatments offer hope for curative care