The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently took action against 14 companies for selling illegal cancer treatments. The companies sell more than 65 different products related to cancer treatment. The FDA states these products were marketed and sold without any FDA approval and falsely claim to either prevent, detect, or cure cancer. According to the FDA, the products were mostly sold online through websites or via social media.
Protecting consumers from cancer-related fraud
The FDA’s press release says these companies violated the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act by marketing and selling products to prevent disease, detect disease, treat, cure, or mitigate disease without first obtaining approval from the FDA that the products are safe and effective. The companies cited in the FDA warning sold several different types of products including pills, creams, oils, ointments, and teas. Some companies also sold products like thermography devices claiming they could be used to diagnose the presence of cancer. The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act applies to products intended for use by people or pets that make any unsubstantiated claims about preventing, mitigating, or curing cancer. The FDA has issued 90 similar warning letters to companies marketing anti-cancer products in the past 10 years.
Harmful to consumers in many ways
The FDA states consumers should avoid these illegal products because they may be unsafe, cause severe unknown side effects, and could prevent a person needing medical treatment from seeking qualified cancer diagnosis and treatment. The FDA has strict guidelines for any product that claims to treat or cure any disease. Products must first pass rigorous testing and be approved as a safe and effective treatment for their labeled use. After FDA approval, all marketing of the product must comply with FDA standards. The FDA has stated that products falsely claimed to cure cancer are a “cruel deception” that takes advantage of people’s fear and desperation. A personal injury lawyer can advise individuals who suspect they are victims of medical malpractice.
Warning signs of illegal cancer treatment products
Companies that sell illegal cancer treatment products often use similar phrases and terms because they know the hot buttons of people searching for cancer treatment. Consumers should be wary of any product that claims to treat all types of cancer, is marketed as more effective than chemotherapy, cures cancer or that the product will kill cancer cells without any adverse effect on healthy cells.