It is perfectly natural for those whose loved ones have been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma – as well as the patients themselves – to scour the internet, searching desperately for a solution that will restore health and prolong life.
Yet, according to representatives of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is no such thing as a miracle cure, and consumers need to exercise caution before spending their money on products advertised on social media platforms or websites.Consumer safety officer Nicole Kornspan, M.P.H. was not specifically addressing mesothelioma when she delivered her warning message – the target audience is all cancer sufferers, and the message is an important one.
“Anyone who suffers from cancer, or knows someone who does, understands the fear and desperation that can set in. There can be a great temptation to jump at anything that appears to offer a chance for a cure.”
She explained that in order for a legitimate drug or medical device to be approved by the FDA, they must go through a rigorous testing procedure that not only assures effectiveness, but also safety.
Unfortunately, there have always been “snake-oil salesmen” who try to take advantage of people’s sense of helplessness by selling them treatments that make false promises. These items do not work, and may potentially cause harm or actually weaken the effect of medically-approved treatment protocols.
Drugs and so-called “natural” cures may even contain ingredients that can cause significant side effects and illnesses, and may be contaminated.
In order to protect mesothelioma patients and others suffering from cancer, the FDA is taking legal action against many of the companies that are currently advertising unproven, unapproved, and unsafe products to the American public.
Warning letters have been sent to over a dozen different companies indicating that their fraudulent claims need to be removed or changed, and if the companies do not comply then they will face litigation. The false and misleading claims that consumers need to be beware of include:
- Treats all forms of cancer
- Miraculously kills cancer cells and tumors
- Shrinks malignant tumors
- Selectively kills cancer cells
- More effective than chemotherapy
- Attacks cancer cells, leaving healthy cells intact
- Cures cancer
If you would like information on legitimate resources and medical treatments for malignant mesothelioma, we can help. Call the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
