It is sometimes said that fraud is a ‘victimless crime’, but examples of this crime in the arena of cancer could leave no sympathy for the perpetrators. Unbelievably, cancer sufferers have known to be targeted by people using pseudo-science to claim curative qualities in the product they are selling. These criminals know well that those facing the threat of mortality are more suggestible than members of the ordinary public – so who better to target to make a quick buck?
Cancer treatment fraud has fortunately not been a big problem in the UK, but we should take note of the experience of our American cousins. Thousands of people have been duped into buying such fraudulent products as shark cartilage, black salves and coral calcium, in their desperate bid for wellness. These products are just three examples of advertised ‘alternative’ cancer treatments that had not a shred of scientific evidence behind them. Other recent examples found on sale without FDA approval include Hoxsey therapy, Gerson therapy and Essiac tea.
There is a big difference between ‘complementary’ and ‘alternative’ cancer treatments. The ‘complementary’ label indicates a supplement or method of natural origin that is supposed to be used as a support to your medical cancer treatment. Examples include yoga, Traditional Chinese Medicine and meditation; none of these would hope to replace your standard treatment, simply boost your mental wellness enough to help you with the fight. ‘Alternative’ cancer treatments, however, are a clear con. They make the highly irresponsible statement that they can cure cancer by themselves, encouraging the user to put aside their mainstream cancer treatment – which is, in fact, the only thing that can save them.
The label of ‘alternative’ cancer treatment is a tell-tale sign of a low quality or fraudulent product. Fraudulent ads will also typically claim that they can cure any type of cancer, and rely on personal or anecdotal evidence to support their scientific claims. The language of the ad may attempt to intimidate you and throw medical terminology around in an attempt to sound authoritative. Of course, any mention of a ‘money back guarantee’ or ‘limited product supply’ are clear signs of a cowboy company. Such fraudulent thinkers are shameless in their use of evocative phrases; such as, ‘scientific breakthrough’, ‘miracle cure’ and ‘secret ingredient’. They are actually taking advantage of the deep desire of many to be free of their disease, and have no shame in damaging their wellbeing in the process. If you spot an advert of this kind, or are offered dubious medical products, please don’t hesitate to report it to the police. In doing so, you could be saving the lives of others.
Comments are closed.