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Despite being a significant source of health misinformation, social media remains a popular platform for users seeking health-related information. Although fact-checkers tirelessly strive year after year to sanitise the digital space, false health claims continue to circulate widely on these platforms.
Cancer is one of the major contributors to mortality rates around the world, and it is saddening that misinformation actors have plunged into this very delicate subject area to mislead members of the public. As a platform that promotes public interest and safety, DUBAWA, in 2024, fact-checked several health claims concerning cancer. Below are some of them:
- Certain food items are remedies for cancer
In February 2024, a Facebook user claimed that consuming beans, bean derivatives, soursop, and tomato smoothies for two weeks could cure prostate, cervical, breast cancer, and other tumours.
However, research indicated that while these food items may have certain nutritional benefits, more scientific evidence is needed to confirm their effectiveness in cancer treatment, especially regarding their potential in this context.
Experts, meanwhile, have identified the claim as harmful misinformation, warning that cancer patients who follow such advice risk becoming malnourished and compromising their treatment. Read more.
- Dandelion root cures cancer cells in 48 hours
Also, in 2024, a social media user claimed that dandelion root could destroy 98% of cancer cells within two days.
While research has shown the potential of dandelion root in suppressing the growth and spread of breast cancer cells in rats, these findings have not been validated in humans.
Additionally, studies suggest that dandelions may help the body fight infections. However, experts caution patients to seek medical advice before consuming dandelion tea, as it could pose risks to their health if not properly managed. More information is here.
- Prolonged use of AirPods causes brain cancer
Another cancer-related claim fact-checked by DUBAWA in 2024 involved a video shared by the popular Instagram blog Instablog. In the viral video, a woman recounted how a stranger (a man) allegedly warned her about the dangers of using AirPods. According to the narrator, the man claimed that frequent use of the phone accessory could lead to brain cancer.
However, there is currently no scientific evidence to support this claim. Experts instead advise users to lower the volume when using AirPods, as frequent exposure to loud sounds can cause hearing damage but not brain cancer. More details can be found here.
- Vaseline can cause breast cancer
In a related development, an X user had claimed that Vaseline was unsafe and urged people to use raw shea butter instead. The user alleged that Vaseline contained chemicals that cause breast cancer, accelerated skin ageing, and disruption of hormones.
However, studies revealed that such risks were only associated with Vaseline in its raw, unrefined form. An article by Unilever explained that Vaseline Jelly in modern times has been formulated using a patented triple-purification process which removes all impurities.
Further studies consulted showed there was no connection between Vaseline and cancer. Read more here.
- Radiation from microwave ovens causes cancer
The final claim on the list came from a Facebook user who recirculated the old belief that microwave ovens have the potential to cause cancer in humans. Although microwaves emit low-power electromagnetic fields, similar to those found in the sky, on Earth, Wi-Fi, and radio signals, many still believe that microwave ovens, particularly, could be linked to cancer.
However, studies have demonstrated that microwave ovens do not contaminate food with radiation.
Although the claimant suggested that standing close to microwave ovens could cause cancer, research showed that government agencies recommend avoiding standing directly in front of or against them during use—not because of cancer risks but to prevent injuries such as painful burns or cataracts. More information here.
