
TINA’s Take: FTC Lets ‘Detox Tea’ Influencers Off with a Warning
…for now.
Are ads that promote cancer treatment centers leading to unreasonable expectations for care? The Annals of Internal Medicine published what it called the first comprehensive analysis of the issue this week.
The analysis began by noting that proponents of this type of health-care advertising argue that it provides valuable information about screening and treatment options. But critics are concerned that such advertising exaggerates therapeutic benefits and drives inappropriate demands for clinical services. Said the study:
These concerns may be particularly heightened for cancer centers because patients with advanced cancer often overestimate the potential benefit they will receive from new treatments or their chance for cure.
The analysis reviewed all cancer center advertisements for clinical services in top consumer magazines and on television. The review of 409 ads placed by 102 cancer centers found:
The study, which was based on 2012 data and noted several limitations with its methodology, called for further research.
…for now.
TINA.org inquiry into essential oils MLM digs up more than 140 examples of unsubstantiated health claims.
A closer look at the who, what, where, when, and why.