Lincoln and Nottingham medical schools help tackle rise in online cancer misinformation

People are putting too much trust in cancer advice shared on social media, according to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), as new figures suggest misleading health claims are increasingly reaching NHS consultations.

The charity says 44 per cent of patient-facing NHS staff are now dealing every week with patients raising inaccurate information about nutrition, supplements and cancer.

Some of the claims suggest certain foods or supplements can help treat the disease, despite a lack of evidence.

To help tackle the problem, WCRF has launched a new TRUST Test, encouraging people to think carefully before believing or sharing health advice online.

The test asks people to consider:

T – Too good to be true? Does the claim sound unusually simple or miraculous?

R – Research backed? Is there credible scientific evidence behind it?

U – Understood? Has the information been explained in the right context, including any risks?

S – Source? Is it from a trusted, evidence-based organisation or healthcare professional?

T – Think. Pause before sharing or acting on the information.

At the same time, the charity is working with the Universities of Lincoln and Nottingham to develop new teaching resources on nutrition, weight and cancer risk. The materials will be introduced during the next academic year, helping equip future doctors to respond to misinformation during consultations.

Steven Greenberg, UK Director at the World Cancer Research Fund, said online misinformation is becoming a growing challenge for healthcare professionals.

""We would always recommend that patients listen to their health professional first and foremost," he said.

"There are lots of people confident in the information they're seeing on social media, and often that's incorrect."