‘Alternative’ cancer cures via the Internet?

‘Alternative’ cancer cures (ACCs) continue to be heavily promoted ( Ernst et al, 1999 ). Conventional oncologists often have limited knowledge about ACCs ( Newell et al, 2000 ), and compelling evidence is usually not available ( Ernst et al, 2001 ). Cancer patients tend to get confused in the maze of claims and counter-claims and often turn to the ‘Internet’ for information. Following advice obtainable via the ‘world wide web’ can, however, be hazardous. Tragic instances where this brought considerable harm, even death, to cancer patients are on record (e.g. Hainer et al, 2000 ). It is therefore reasonable to ask whether the advice offered to cancer patients by some of the most prominent ‘web sites’ might put cancer patients at risk.