Health misinformation around breast cancer that can put you at risk!

The internet and social media as resources for credible data on Breast Cancer are tainted with health misinformation and sorting for qualitative evidencebased reliable and trustworthy information is a mammoth task However to achieve favourable results it is crucial to steer clear of inaccurate health information regarding breast cancer that is commonly found on the internet and social media platforms As a significant health concern affecting millions worldwide breast cancer prompts individuals to seek information and support online Yet the pervasive presence of health misinformation about breast cancer can lead to serious consequences putting people at risk This paper delves into the challenges posed by health misinformation surrounding breast cancer and emphasises the significance of seeking accurate information from reliable sourcesThe Deceptive Breast Cancer News on the World Wide Web Online platforms have been inundated with bogus promises of miracle cures that are purportedly allnatural and free of adverse consequences despite the lack of supporting data Patients who are misinformed may be led away from beneficial evidencebased treatments jeopardising their health Furthermore conspiracy theories about the origins therapies and prevention of breast cancer are amplified on social media which undermines confidence in conventional medical procedures and prevents people from getting timely and adequate medical careMoreover misleading dietary recommendations touted on social media as treatment remedies or preventatives for breast cancer frequently lack adequate scientific backing which may result in subpar disease therapy Breast cancer myths such as its sole genetic basis gender exclusivity and prevalence in older women can lead to serious consequences Finally patients may be discouraged from obtaining medical advice or going through necessary screenings as a result of fearmongering social media messages that unnecessarily cause them to feel anxious and distressed Given the prevalence of such false material it is crucial to exercise caution and rely only on trustworthy websites while looking for information about breast cancer online It is recommended to consult with a doctor before referring to such websitesThe Impact of ubiquitous health misinformation on breast Cancer Misinformation about breast cancer is not a novel phenomenon however the growth of the Internet and social media has amplified its dissemination Numerous studies have examined the volume of erroneous inaccurate or deceptive information regarding breast cancer that is shared on wellknown social media platforms Besides that research examining articles shared on the internet discovered that one in three papers addressing common malignancies such as breast cancer included misinformationPeoples propensity to gravitate towards erroneous information further exacerbates the problem making it challenging to halt the spread of misleading information For instance studies observing YouTube videos about cancer found that inaccurate videos received more views and positive feedback than accurate ones As a result the significant impact of online misinformation on medical decisionmaking and overall health underscores the need for indepth research to develop effective strategies to address this crucial issueThe Perils Associated with Breast Cancer Misinformation For ensuring the best outcomes for patients it is crucial to provide appropriate and evidencebased treatment for breast cancer However promoting unproven therapies or cures as substitutes for established therapies might have negative consequences According to research people who choose complementary or alternative cancer treatments over standard cancer care may be at an increased risk of dying However it is difficult to analyse the precise impact that social media played in influencing these choices it does highlight the potential risks of inaccurate information in the management of cancer To effectively combat breast cancer and its impact on patients wellbeing it is essential to provide reliable and precise informationNavigating the Truth on Breast Cancer Addressing the ChallengesAscertaining the veracity of viral information can be a daunting task Recognising fraudulent information from content that is supported by facts can be difficult particularly in fields that are rapidly evolving such as oncology The problem is made worse by the fact that most social media platforms lack easily accessible tools for evaluating the reliability of sources allowing false information to spread unchallenged In such a scenario seeking guidance and advice from a medical professional can prove to be a valuable resource They can be a trusted advisor who can assist you in making informed decisions about your healthGo with the Established Breast Cancer Therapy In the age of social media patients are increasingly turning to online platforms for health information and peer support Social media can offer various benefits including information gathering shared experiences and advocacy For breast cancer patients engaging in online communities can only provide psychological support and a sense of connection during their cancer journeyPlease note that providing patients with appropriate therapy for breast cancer is of the utmost significance This treatment must be supported by solid data from reputable sources Evidencebased management is essential for improving patient outcomes and making sure they get the best treatments availableThe EvidenceBased Management of Cancers in India EBM 2023 a Tata Memorial Centre event organized a forum for gathering and disseminating the most recent oncology research Furthermore prestigious groups like the European Society for Medical Oncology ESMO organised conferences like ESMO Breast Cancer 2023 which promoted discussions on the most recent advancements in breast cancer diagnostics biomarkers and treatments fostered innovation and improvement in patient care Utilising evidencebased techniques healthcare professionals can create individualised and successful treatments for patients guaranteeing the highest quality of careBreast cancer and the online resources Balancing the Perks and Concerns In the social media era patients are more commonly turning to online resources for support and information about their health Social media offers breast cancer sufferers countless benefits including the ability to learn from others experiences share their own and feel connected to those going through the same thing Engaging in online communities can foster connections and provide therapeutic support It is crucial to remember that while this support may be beneficial it cannot replace the prescribed medical treatmentAdditionally it is crucial to approach social media with discernment Even though social media might be useful when handled properly the acumen and ability to differentiate nevertheless remain an issue The impact of social media on patient care must therefore be understood by healthcare practitioners who must also advise patients about the pitfalls of misleading information Therefore striking a balance between leveraging its advantages and being vigilant about accuracy is paramountDr Saumya Saluja Surgeon and Health educator with The Healthy Indian Project THIP a Health Literacy Platform