Study summary · research use only
A qualitative review of misinformation and conspiracy theories in skin cancer
Plain-language summary
Paraphrased from the published abstract below — not a verdict on whether anything works.
This qualitative review examined online misinformation related to skin cancer using searches on PubMed and Google with terms including 'skin cancer,' 'melanoma,' 'non-melanoma skin cancer,' 'SCC,' 'BCC,' 'misinformation,' 'disinformation,' and 'conspiracy theories.' The authors report that common misinformation themes included claims about the dangers of sunscreen and alternative sunscreen practices; promotion of tanning and Melanotan (an unlicensed and untested form of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone) as low-risk practices; claims limiting skin cancer risk to older or fair-skinned people; and alternative claimed causes and remedies for skin cancer. Sunscreen was described as a frequent target of the misinformation, portrayed there as unnecessary and as a cause of skin cancer. The authors state dermatologists should be aware of this misinformation and should address it with patients.
Abstract
Misinformation on diseases and treatments is a worldwide threat and can lead to worse outcomes for patients with skin cancer. The aim of this study was to qualitatively assess the content of online misinformation related to skin cancer. Searches were performed via PubMed and Google using the terms 'skin cancer' OR 'melanoma' OR 'non-melanoma skin cancer' OR 'SCC' OR 'BCC' AND 'misinformation' OR 'disinformation' OR 'conspiracy theories'. The most common themes of misinformation related to skin cancer included assertions of the 'dangers' of using sunscreen and alternative sunscreen practices; promotion of tanning and Melanotan (an unlicensed and untested form of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone) as safe practices; claims that risk of skin cancer are limited to people who are older or have fair skin; and assertions of alternative 'causes' and alternative 'cures' for skin cancer. Sunscreen was particularly vilified as being an ineffective prophylactic measure and a cause of skin cancer. Dermatologists should be aware of misinformation available online relating to skin cancer, and refute and rebut misleading health information.
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