Dodgy docs on the net

By Merill Haseen

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ARE you looking for information about a medical condition Don't believe everything you read on the net - especially when it comes to life-threatening diseases.

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There has been a massive boom in people seeking information about health issues through the internet. It's a great way to get information instantly, it allows almost total anonymity and it operates at all hours.

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However, the American Federal Trade Commission has warned against 'cyber-quacks' who are taking advantage of this and are offering dodgy treatments and misleading - even fatal - advice through the internet.

In 1999, almost 35 million Americans looked for medical advice on the net - 56% more than the previous year. At the same time, health-oriented websites increased massively - from 2.8 million to 9.5 million.

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The Commission has found 800 sites and news groups with 'questionable promotions for products or services' claiming to cure, treat or prevent all kinds of diseases, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and AIDS.

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One woman was advised to use an ingredient of rocket fuel for her breast cancer. A toxic herb, which is known to cause kidney cancer, was promoted for liver ailments and menstrual problems. Oxygen therapy was endorsed for Aids and cancer, and psychic surgery was said to treat almost any ailment.

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Even some reputable US sites got their facts wrong. Paediatric specialists found that 48 of 60 sites run by major medical institutions contained inaccurate information on how to treat childhood diarrhoea.

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In the UK, CancerBACUP, a leading cancer information charity, recently found misleading information on unreliable websites. It included claims that cancer is catching, that it is always incurable and that it is caused by stress.

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Remember that :
anybody can set up a website. Just because something is posted on the Internet does not make it true and reliable...
there are no restrictions or governing bodies for health websites...
products or drugs sold online may be illegal in the UK...
you should never seek health advice from someone who is trying to sell you something.

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Use sites from recognised corporate brands, well-known charities, Government agencies, hospitals or high street pharmacists, and always read a site's About Us section.

• Reliable health websites recommended in Your Health and the Internet (The Stationery Office, �20)
  www.surgerydoor.co.uk
  www.healthcentre.org.uk
  www.britmed.com (online consultations with qualified doctors for UK patients only, �23)
  www.cancerbacup.org.uk
  www.omni.ac.uk
  www.samaritans.org.uk
  www.ohn.gov.uk (Department of Health health promotion policy site)
  www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
  www.nice.org.uk
  www.allcures.com (on-line equivalent of a high street pharmacy)