The Federal Trade Commission has issued a warning to consumers to watch out for unsupported health claims in the marketing of cancer treatments by unscrupulous companies.

Lydia Parnes, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, stated: "Many of these products are scams, and let's face it, when you're battling cancer, the last thing you need is a scam."

The FTC also announced a new consumer Web site that provides information about how to evaluate health product claims spot and to report bogus claims to the FTC. The following is an excerpt from the FTC Website about what to keep in mind as you evaluate products with dubious health claims:

• No one treatment works for every cancer or every body. All cancers are different. Even two people with the same diagnosis may need different treatments. That’s one reason it's best to be skeptical of any website with ads for products that claim to treat cancer.
• Natural doesn't always mean effective. Scammers take advantage of the feelings that can accompany a diagnosis of cancer. They promote unproven – and potentially dangerous – remedies like black salve, essiac tea, or laetrile with claims that the products are both “natural” and effective. But “natural” doesn’t mean either safe or effective when it comes to using these treatments for cancer. In fact, a product labeled “natural,” can be ineffective and even downright harmful.
• Bogus marketers often use trickery and vague language to take advantage of people. Testimonials on websites with ads for products that claim to cure or treat cancer can seem honest and heart-felt, but they can be completely fake: in fact, they may not disclose that actors or models have been paid to endorse the product. Even when testimonials come from people who have taken the product, personal stories aren’t reliable as evidence of effectiveness.
• Lots of technical jargon may sound impressive, but by itself, doesn’t prove effectiveness. Big words from a medical dictionary are no substitute for the plain-language facts from your doctor.
• A money-back guarantee doesn't prove that a product works. Even if the money-back guarantee is legitimate, it isn't a reliable substitute for scientific evidence that a treatment is safe or effective.

So be an informed consumer. If a product claim seems too good to be true, ask your healthcare provider or ask our Health Experts at Healia Communities. Also, the Healia Search Engine provides only credible sources of health information.