Cancer Treatments are not all the Same

Careful when helping your loved one finding treatments for cancer

While you are supporting your loved one with cancer it is important to be aware when searching for a cure. Not all treatments you find on the internet are FDA approved or even effective. In worst case scenarios you or a loved one could fall victim of health fraud. You are and your loved ones are understandably desperate for a cancer cure. At Phillips Law Firm we understand your concern so we have a few tips to avoid cancer treatment scams during this difficult time.

If the medication or treatment claims to do any of the following, you may want to consider whether the treatment is effective based upon scientific proof:

• Shrinks your tumors
• Non-toxic
• Does not make you sick or nauseous
• Treats safely and easily
• Better than radiotherapy, chemotherapy or other conventional treatments
• Alternative to invasive surgery
• Treats ALL forms of cancer
• Makes cancer disappear
• Any terminology: “Scientific breakthrough”, “miraculous cure,” “secret ingredient,” or “ancient remedy”
• No-risk, money-back guarantees
• Undocumented case histories of outstandingly positive results and testimonials
• No hair loss

The unfortunate fact is that sometimes companies try to take advantage of cancer patients. Companies often exaggerate any positive results from using their products to better market it to those desperate for a cure. Tonics, pills, and creams are all products that have been marketed with suspect cancer treatment claims. While depending on the stage of the cancer, you may have considered trying anything. It is important to remember that some products may interfere with proven, beneficial treatments. As a result you may accidentally worsen your condition from trying these products. While fringe cancer treatments have been around for many years, it just recently that advertisements have spiked. The internet is a growing outlet for fraudulent companies to post information. It may be illegal to market unapproved FDA salves as cancer treatment but unfortunately they are readily available online. Cancer causes fear and desperation and it is tempting to jump at the chance to partake in using a product offering a chance for a cure. Remember that the FDA has to approval all treatments before they are marketed. Cancer treatment products that have approved by the FDA are considered to be safe and effective. A popular unproven cancer treatment is an herbal regimen known as the Hoxsey Cancer Treatment. The FDA stated that there is no scientific evidence that the Hoxsey Cancer Treatment, available since the 1950s, has any value to treat cancer.

Beware of suspect testimonials:

• Make sure all testimonials are verified.
• Do an independent search for verified testimonials.
• Search the treatment on YouTube. You may find blogs of others who have tried the treatment you are curious about.

Suspect drug products vs. “investigational drugs”:

Investigational drugs are clinically tested to determine if they are safe and effective for consumers. Suspect products are unapproved and may have never undergone testing in the first place and in addition have not been reviewed by the FDA. Marketing a false cancer treatment is serious offense as it may violate federal law.

What if I am desperate to try anything because of the severity of my cancer?

Patients can partake in clinical trials for investigational drugs if they so desire, but each trial has independent health risks associated and should be considered with your health care professional.

Consult with your doctor:

Make sure to always consult a health care professional about your intentions of partaking in experimental investigational drugs. Some products many have a negative reaction to your current medications and it is important to be aware of all risks involved before making a difficult personal decision.

What is being done?

The FDA and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have sent approximately 135 warning letters and two advisory letters to firms marketing questionable products online.