Warning over fake web 'cures'

Unscrupulous advertising for 'miracle' cures is exploiting those with serious illnesses both emotionally and finacially, a medical charity has warned.

Misleading claims, false testimonials and 'pseudo' scientific evidence is commonly used in adverts that appear on online support forums for those with long-term illnesses, Sense About Science has said.

Though the support forums themselves provide an invaluable aid for those with incurable conditions, the advertising is giving many false hopes, the charity warned.

A guide, published by the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Motor Neurone Disease Association, Alzheimer’s Society and Parkinson’s Disease Society with the backing of Sense About Science, aims to explain how to spot bogus claims about treatments and drugs.

Tracey Brown of Sense About Science said: "One person told us how the last years of his wife's life were spent endlessly pursuing new treatments, from goat's blood serums to unlicensed stem cell treatments abroad, all to no avail.

"This guide aims to help patients and their families to evaluate the treatment claims they are bombarded with," Brown continued.

I've got nothing to lose by trying it can be downloaded from the Sense About Science website.

The guide also has government backing from the Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Select Committee.

Phil Willis MP said: "The cruellest deception for a patient with chronic illness is the promise of a cure based on empty hope not evidence. The publication of I've got nothing to lose by trying it is an inspired attempt to empower patients to evaluate so-called ‘miracle cures’ with evidence based advice."

www.senseaboutscience.org.uk