A concerning surge in poorly substantiated alternative treatments online is exploiting and endangering women’s health, doctors and campaigners have cautioned. As NHS services grapple with overwhelming demand, women are increasingly targeted by dubious treatments, risking clashes with prescribed medications or the masking of underlying symptoms.
Liz O’Riordan, a former breast surgeon who has faced breast cancer thrice, expressed astonishment at the volume of misinformation proliferating online, having personally encountered it upon her own diagnosis. She underscored the allure of glowing testimonials promising cures at substantial costs, which often lead women down risky paths, potentially interfering with conventional cancer treatments like tamoxifen.
The proliferation of targeted ads on social media, coupled with dubious testimonials, has exacerbated the issue, with some testimonials suspected to be generated by AI. As part of efforts to bridge the information gap, O’Riordan shared her experiences to shed light on the dangers lurking in the digital realm.
Colorectal surgeon Julie Cornish, who initiated the Everywoman Festival, noted a concerning trend of patients resorting to alternative treatments by unqualified practitioners. She highlighted instances where timely intervention could have significantly altered outcomes, citing instances where “red flag” symptoms were disregarded or misinterpreted.
Online misinformation extends beyond cancer patients, impacting individuals across various age brackets. Molly Fenton, founder of Love Your Period, recounted encounters with girls as young as eight seeking advice on hormonal supplements via social media. The absence of robust fact-checking mechanisms further compounds the issue, contributing to the dissemination of harmful content alongside beneficial information.
Women’s health, often portrayed as a lucrative marketing opportunity, has become a battleground for brands seeking to capitalize on vulnerabilities arising from inadequate education and awareness. Diane Danzebrink, founder of Menopause Support, lamented the commercialization of menopause-related discourse, which, while fostering awareness, also perpetuates misinformation.
Danzebrink emphasized the need for mandatory training for healthcare practitioners to address the rising demand for menopause-related services, reducing reliance on unproven alternatives. She stressed the imperative of distinguishing between credible information and misleading claims, advocating for improved access to reliable resources.
As campaigns like Make Menopause Matter strive to reform healthcare practices, the urgency to mitigate the proliferation of misleading ads and unverified treatments remains paramount. By fostering informed dialogue and prioritizing evidence-based interventions, stakeholders aim to safeguard women’s health against the perils of online misinformation and commercial exploitation.
