Online misinformation about cancer is widespread and can potentially mislead individuals, causing harm and therefore trust in science and medical professionals is crucial, says a new report.
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. These cells can invade nearby tissues and, through a process called metastasis, spread to other parts of the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Cancer can develop in almost any organ or tissue, including the lungs, breast, colon, skin, and bones.
Causes and Risk Factors
Cancer arises due to genetic mutations that disrupt normal cell growth and division. These mutations can be inherited or acquired through environmental exposures and lifestyle choices. Common risk factors include:
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Tobacco use: A leading cause of various cancers, especially lung cancer.
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Excessive alcohol consumption: Linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, liver, and breast.
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Poor diet and obesity: Associated with increased risk of several cancers, including colorectal and breast cancer.
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Physical inactivity: Contributes to weight gain and associated cancer risks.
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Exposure to carcinogens: Such as ultraviolet radiation, certain chemicals, and pollutants.
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Infections: Certain viruses (e.g., human papillomavirus, hepatitis B and C) can increase cancer risk.
Approximately 5–10% of cancers are due to inherited genetic mutations, while the majority result from environmental and lifestyle factors.
Types of Cancer
There are over 100 types of cancer, typically named for the organ or tissue where they originate. Major categories include:
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Carcinomas: Cancers that begin in the skin or tissues that line internal organs.
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Sarcomas: Cancers that originate in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, or other connective tissues.
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Leukemias: Cancers of the blood-forming tissues, leading to large numbers of abnormal blood cells.
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Lymphomas and myelomas: Cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system.
Common cancers include breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, and skin cancers. The prevalence of specific cancer types can vary based on factors like age, gender, genetics, and environmental exposures.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Cancer symptoms vary widely depending on the type and location of the cancer. Common signs include:
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Unexplained weight loss
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Persistent fatigue
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Lumps or thickening in the body
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Changes in skin appearance
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Persistent cough or hoarseness
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Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. Diagnostic methods include physical examinations, imaging tests (like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs), laboratory tests (such as blood and urine analyses), and biopsies to examine tissue samples.
Treatment Options
Cancer treatment depends on the type, location, and stage of the disease, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common treatments include:
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Surgery: Removal of cancerous tissue.
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Radiation therapy: Using high-energy rays to kill or shrink cancer cells.
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Chemotherapy: Using drugs to destroy cancer cells.
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Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth.
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Immunotherapy: Stimulating the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
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Hormone therapy: Blocking hormones that fuel certain cancers.
Advancements in personalized medicine are leading to more tailored treatment approaches based on individual genetic profiles.
Prevention and Early Detection
While not all cancers are preventable, certain measures can significantly reduce risk
Avoid tobacco products
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Limit alcohol consumption
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Maintain a healthy weight and diet
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Engage in regular physical activity
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Protect skin from excessive sun exposure
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Get vaccinated against cancer-related viruses (e.g., HPV, hepatitis B)
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Regular screenings: Such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap tests can detect cancers early when treatment is more effective.
The report, titled ‘Health Misinformation Vectors in India,’ was released during the Health of India Summit at the Shangri-La Hotel here.
It analysed health-related social media content posted between October 2023 and November 2024 and identified four key areas prone to misinformation: cancer, reproductive health, vaccines and lifestyle diseases, including diabetes and obesity.
Experts from Spotlight, the Data Intelligence unit of DataLEADS, a New Delhi-based digital media and technology company, along with doctors from First Check, a global health fact-checking initiative, conducted the analysis.
The report highlighted key trends in health-related misinformation, including a growing reluctance towards conventional medicine. Experts noted that this trend pushes people towards easily accessible and affordable natural remedies, often at the expense of evidence-based treatments.
Faith and local traditions also influence health-seeking behaviours, they added.
The report sought to raise awareness of the dangerous health misinformation spreading in India and the various ways it manages to avoid scrutiny and thrive.
“Health misinformation has far-reaching consequences, impacting medical decisions, delaying treatments, eroding trust, and even costing lives,” said Dr Sabba Mahmood, co-founder of First Check.
“People with life-threatening diseases are particularly vulnerable to misinformation because they are often desperate and willing to try anything to save themselves and their family members,” she added.
Regarding reproductive health, the authors wrote, “conversations about abortion through illegal and unproven methods that are often harmful and fatal, go unchecked on nearly all (social media) platforms.” The authors also drew attention to videos circulating online that offer tips on issues such as conceiving a boy child and sexual dysfunctions in men.
They suggested consulting an andrologist instead of taking online recommendations, which they said could be “severely detrimental to a man’s wellbeing”.
The experts also emphasised that, while no science-backed method exists for conceiving a boy or girl, such content online can reinforce gender preferences in society.
The report also highlighted how generative AI, including chatbots, has made detecting health-related misinformation increasingly difficult by making it appear more “credible and believable”.
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The authors urged policymakers to impose stricter regulations on health-related content and strengthen misinformation countermeasures. They also called for an upskilling of local health workers to counter misinformation at the village level.
The experts also advocated for leveraging technology to increase health literacy, such as by enhancing algorithms to prioritise credible health information and remove harmful content promptly
