The increasing use of technology has boosted social media to the forefront of health information sources for the general public (Suarez-Lledo & Alvarez-Galvez, 2021). While these platforms have provided access to education and information like never before, they have also created an environment of misinformation and false health claims (Suarez-Lledo & Alvarez-Galvez, 2021). As research findings often take time to publicise, Suarez-Lledo & Alvarez-Galvez (2021) highlight the concerning reality that misinformation is spreading faster, potentially influencing health decisions and behaviors.
A prime example of health misinformation with potential public health threats is the promotion of essential oils as a cure for various illnesses, including cancer. Websites like “The Truth About Cancer” (https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/essential-oils-for-cancer/) demonstrate this trend, promoting essential oils for cancer treatment as a “natural” alternative to potentially harmful synthetic drugs. While essential oils may have individual benefits, no scientific evidence currently supports their use in cancer treatment (National Cancer Institute, 2023). Sharma et al. (2022) acknowledges the lack of conclusive evidence but propose the potential of essential oils as supportive therapy alongside conventional cancer treatments. The National Cancer Institute (2023) acknowledges the potential benefits of essential oils for managing anxiety and nausea, common side effects of cancer treatment, but reiterates the absence of evidence for their role in cancer treatment itself.
The public health threat lies in the potential for essential oils, while potentially offering some therapeutic benefits, to be misconstrued as a substitute for medical treatment. This reliance on essential oils could delay or prevent individuals from seeking appropriate medical care, potentially leading to severe health consequences and preventable morbidity.
References:
Bollinger, T. & Bollinger, C. (2023, December 2). 5 Cancer-Fighting Essential Oils & 5 Ways to Use Them. The Truth about Cancer.https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/essential-oils-for-cancer/
National Cancer Institute. (2023, September 11). Aromatherapy with essential oils (PDQ) – Patient Version. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/aromatherapy-pdq
Sharma, M., Grewal, K., Jandrotia, R., Batish, D. R., Singh, H. P., & Kohli, R. K. (2022). Essential oils as anticancer agents: Potential role in malignancies, drug delivery mechanisms, and immune system enhancement. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 146, 112514.
Suarez-Lledo, V., & Alvarez-Galvez, J. (2021). Prevalence of health misinformation on social media: Systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(1), e17187. https://www.jmir.org/2021/1/e17187/