TikTok, a popular platform for health advice, has been found to contain a high percentage of videos promoting treatments for cancer and autism that lack scientific support, according to a recent investigation by Marketplace. Out of 200 videos analyzed, around 80% featured remedies with no scientific basis, amassing over 75 million views.
The allure of these videos lies in the compelling personal narratives they present, noted Tim Caulfield, a researcher in health misinformation. Stories and testimonials play a significant role in promoting unproven therapies on social media platforms like TikTok.
Marketplace conducted searches on TikTok using specific terms related to cancer and autism treatments, selecting the top 100 videos for each category that featured purported cures or therapies.
One prevalent claim in the videos related to cancer treatments was the belief that cancer feeds on sugar, with suggestions to switch to low-sugar alternatives like avocados and eggs to eliminate cancer cells. However, oncologist Dr. Abha Gupta dismissed this claim, stating that sugar consumption does not cause or treat cancer.
Another unsupported claim in the videos was the use of anti-parasitic drugs like fenbendazole and ivermectin to cure cancer. Dr. Gupta labeled this as “garbage,” emphasizing the lack of scientific evidence supporting such treatments.
Regarding autism treatments, the investigation revealed dangerous assertions, such as promoting chelation therapy to improve communication and behavior in autistic children. Pediatrician Dr. Melanie Penner warned against this practice, highlighting the potential risks and lack of scientific validity.
Stem cell therapies for autism, featured in several videos, were also scrutinized for their unproven benefits and associated risks. While creators of these videos often lacked medical expertise, some promoted treatments for financial gain, raising ethical concerns.
The prevalence of misleading health information on TikTok underscores the need for critical evaluation and caution when consuming such content. Marketplace’s findings have shed light on the potential harm caused by misinformation and unsupported treatments circulating on social media platforms like TikTok.