Can you trust cancer advice online?

Beating cancer misinformation

Episode 7 of the That Cancer Conversation podcast, hosted by Cancer Research UK, titled "Can you trust cancer advice online?" was published on April 2, 2026 and runs 33 minutes.

April 2, 2026 ·33m · That Cancer Conversation

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Summary

When cancer touches your life, it’s natural to look for answers. But online, those answers can be overwhelming, and sometimes dangerously wrong. In this episode, we explore the rise of cancer misinformation and why false claims about “miracle cures” spread so quickly on social media. From viral myths like “sugar feeds cancer” to extreme diets, supplements and unproven treatments, how can you tell what’s real, and what could cause harm? We’re joined by breast surgeon, author and content creator Dr Liz O'Riordan to break down the science and explain how misinformation can impact decisions, treatment and lives. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why cancer misinformation spreads so easily online The truth about sugar and cancer The risks of extreme diets like juicing and alkaline diets The reality behind claims about ivermectin and fenbendazole Why testimonials can feel more convincing than science The real dangers of choosing alternative treatments  How to spot misinformation online Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with new episodes!  -------For more information about cancer myths and misinformation, you can check out these pages: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/cancer-myths-questions https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2024/02/16/sorting-fact-from-fiction-a-guide-to-spotting-health-misinformation/? https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/cancer-myths-questions/how-does-cancer-research-uk-evaluate-research   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Description

When cancer touches your life, it’s natural to look for answers. But online, those answers can be overwhelming, and sometimes dangerously wrong.

In this episode, we explore the rise of cancer misinformation and why false claims about “miracle cures” spread so quickly on social media.

From viral myths like “sugar feeds cancer” to extreme diets, supplements and unproven treatments, how can you tell what’s real, and what could cause harm?

We’re joined by breast surgeon, author and content creator Dr Liz O'Riordan to break down the science and explain how misinformation can impact decisions, treatment and lives.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

Why cancer misinformation spreads so easily online
The truth about sugar and cancer
The risks of extreme diets like juicing and alkaline diets
The reality behind claims about ivermectin and fenbendazole
Why testimonials can feel more convincing than science
The real dangers of choosing alternative treatments
How to spot misinformation online

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with new episodes!

-------

For more information about cancer myths and misinformation, you can check out these pages:

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/cancer-myths-questions

https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2024/02/16/sorting-fact-from-fiction-a-guide-to-spotting-health-misinformation/?

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/cancer-myths-questions/how-does-cancer-research-uk-evaluate-research

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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