When Cancer Meets Online Misinformation
Compiled by: Su-Mei Chang, Center for Technology and Humanities
A cancer diagnosis often leaves people feeling vulnerable and unsettled. After leaving the hospital, many patients quickly turn to the internet to search for answers. Dr. Daniel Flora, Medical Director of Oncology Research at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, cited a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute showing that among the 200 most popular cancer-related posts on U.S. social media, 32.5% contained misinformation and 30.5% contained potentially harmful information. Even more concerning, among the posts with misinformation, nearly 77% were also considered harmful.
In our physicians’ clinical experience, we frequently hear questions such as, “I read online that this works better. Can I try it?” or “Someone recommended this supplement. Is it really effective?” These questions show how strongly patients want to understand their condition, but they also reveal how powerful online misinformation can be.
Why Cancer Misinformation Spreads So Easily
In an article he shared on Substack, Dr. Flora noted that misinformation is often packaged in a professional or “scientific-sounding” way. It may quote sources that appear authoritative, but the information is often missing context or lacks real scientific support. Some content is promoted as a “miracle cure,” when the real goal is commercial marketing. This can lead patients to delay treatment, or even abandon treatments that are proven to work, with serious consequences.
Another key issue is that misleading or exaggerated claims often spread faster on social media than accurate medical information. Statements like “chemotherapy is poison,” “radiation is worse than cancer,” or “a vegan diet or fasting can starve cancer to death” may sound compelling and are commonly shared, but they often lack solid scientific evidence.
How to Use Online Information the Right Way
Fear and uncertainty after a cancer diagnosis can push people to search online urgently, and some may even turn directly to tools like ChatGPT for help. That impulse is understandable. The key is that online information is only helpful when it is used with the right principles. Without those guardrails, it can easily mislead.
Dr. Flora suggests several practical steps when you encounter medical information online. First, write down what you read and bring it to your clinic visit, so you can discuss it directly with your physician. Second, choose trustworthy, evidence-based sources, such as official government health websites or patient education pages from cancer specialty hospitals (including our own). Third, be cautious with forums and social media content, which may reflect personal anecdotes or commercial marketing rather than reliable evidence. Fourth, be especially careful with “miracle cure” claims or supplement promotions, since these usually lack strong scientific support and may be tied to selling products or paid programs.
A Quick Credibility Check: Five Questions to Ask
Dr. Flora also recommends using the following questions to judge whether information is trustworthy. Ask who the source is and whether they are a physician or cancer specialist. Ask what the motive is: are they trying to educate you, or are they trying to sell you something. Be skeptical if the claim sounds too good to be true, especially if it promises fast results, guaranteed outcomes, or a “secret cure.” Check whether the cited evidence is accurate and whether it comes from reputable journals or official institutions, and whether it matches what your medical team has told you. Finally, watch for fear-based manipulation. If a post makes you anxious or pushes you to distrust your care team, that is a signal to be extra cautious.
The Bottom Line: Bring Your Questions Back to Your Care Team
No matter what you see online, if you have doubts or questions, bring them to your physician. Patients deserve clear, reliable information, and the care team can respond with evidence-based guidance that fits your personal medical situation. The internet can provide fast information, but your treating physician is best positioned to interpret it using clinical experience, clarify what applies to you, and help you make sound decisions.
If anything feels uncertain, discuss it with your doctor. Our medical team will continue to walk with you and face the challenges together.
References
Johnson SB, Parsons M, Dorff T, Moran MS, Ward JH, Cohen SA, Akerley W, Bauman J, Hubbard J, Spratt DE, Bylund CL, Swire-Thompson B, Onega T, Scherer LD, Tward J, Fagerlin A. Cancer Misinformation and Harmful Information on Facebook and Other Social Media: A Brief Report. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 2022.
Daniel Flora, MD, PharmD. When Misinformation Meets Cancer. Substack, 2025.