FDA Takes Action Against Fraudulent Cancer Products

FDA Raises Awareness of Fraudulent Cancer Treatments in Various Languages

The FDA has issued 14 warning letters and four online advisory letters to companies illegally selling more than 65 products that claim to prevent, diagnose, treat, mitigate or cure cancer. The products are marketed and sold without FDA approval, most commonly on websites or social media platforms. They have not been reviewed by FDA for safety and efficacy, and can be dangerous to both people and pets.

“Consumers should not use these or similar unproven products because they may be unsafe and could prevent a person from seeking an appropriate and potentially life-saving cancer diagnosis or treatment,” said Douglas W. Stearn, director of the Office of Enforcement and Import Operations in the FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs. “We encourage people to remain vigilant whether online or in a store, and avoid purchasing products marketed to treat cancer without any proof they will work. Patients should consult a health care professional about proper prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.” You can learn more about the warning letters in the official FDA press announcement.

In addition to the warning letters, FDA also released a Consumer Update to educate consumers about the dangers of products claiming to cure cancer. The Consumer Update has been translated into Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Tagalog.

Additional Resources:

• Consumer Update: Products Claiming to "Cure" Cancer Are a Cruel Deception [Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Tagalog]
• FDA News Release: FDA takes action against 14 companies for selling illegal cancer treatments [Spanish and Chinese] 
• FDA Voice Blog: FDA Takes Action Against Fraudulent Cancer Products
• Information about Illegally Sold Cancer Treatments   
• Questions and Answers: FDA alerts companies to stop the illegal sale of products claiming to treat cancer
• FDA Health Fraud Information
• FDA Warning Letters
• Photos in Flickr of Illegally Sold Cancer Products