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Jun 18, 2008 8:50 am US/Eastern
FDA Cracks Down On Fake Cancer Treatments
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Many companies on the Internet prey on desperate cancer patients with outlandish cures like shark cartilage. (File)
AP
If you're looking to treat your cancer symptoms beware of false claims from some companies on the Internet.
The Food and Drug Administration is cracking down on the sale of some teas, creams and supplements from companies who say their products prevent or cure cancer.
They sent warning letters to 23 U.S. companies who sell their unproven products on the Internet.
Officials say the products are dangerous because they prevent patients from seeking proper treatment for cancer and could also harm a patient by interacting with other drugs they are taking.
The products include some false cancer cures like bloodroot, shark cartilage, coral calcium, cesium, ellagic acid, and mushrooms - none of which are FDA approved as a cancer treatment.
While medical fraud has been around for years, officials are very concerned about cancer scams because they prey on the most desperate.
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