TikTok has emerged as a popular platform for health advice, but a recent investigation by Marketplace revealed that a large portion of videos discussing cancer and autism treatments on the platform promote unsubstantiated claims. Marketplace researchers examined 100 videos each focusing on cancer treatments and autism therapies, discovering that over 80% of the remedies presented in these videos, which amassed a total of more than 75 million views, lacked scientific support.

The allure of personal narratives plays a significant role in the popularity of these videos, according to Tim Caulfield, an expert on health misinformation. He highlighted the persuasive impact of testimonials and stories in promoting unproven therapies through social media platforms.

When analyzing TikTok content for cancer and autism treatments, Marketplace utilized search terms like “cancer cure,” “cancer treatment,” “autism cure,” and “autism treatment.” Notably, claims suggesting that sugar fuels cancer or that anti-parasitic drugs can cure cancer were prevalent in many videos examined.

For instance, a video advocating for cutting out sugar to eliminate cancer cells lacked scientific credibility, as confirmed by Dr. Abha Gupta, an oncologist. Similarly, assertions about using anti-parasitic drugs like fenbendazole and ivermectin for cancer treatment were dismissed as baseless by medical experts.

In the realm of autism treatments, dangerous practices such as chelation therapy and unapproved stem cell therapies were promoted in various videos. Medical professionals cautioned against these interventions, emphasizing the lack of scientific evidence and potential risks associated with such treatments.

The creators of these misleading videos often lacked medical expertise, with some individuals capitalizing on unproven treatments to generate income. Despite the removal of several flagged videos by TikTok, concerns persist about the dissemination of misinformation and its impact on individuals seeking legitimate healthcare guidance.

While TikTok declined to provide an interview to Marketplace, the platform asserted its commitment to combating health misinformation that could pose risks to users. TikTok stated that content violating its guidelines is promptly removed, and users are cautioned against relying on the platform for medical advice.