Why Is Woman Spreading Cancer Screening Misinformation

The Dangers of Misinformation: Why a Viral TikTok Video About Cancer Screenings Is So Harmful

A nurse on TikTok is spreading misinformation about cancer screenings, and her message has resonated with many viewers. While some might see health advice tailored to avoid medical intervention, her claims lack scientific backing and could have dangerous consequences.

It’s important to note that cancer screenings are generally recommended by medical professionals due to their proven effectiveness in early detection and potentially life-saving early intervention.

The nurse, going by the handle @truthrn_michele, openly states she chooses not to get mammograms.

“This is just what I’m doing. You have to do your own research,” she said in a video with over 360,000 views.

She claimed that deeply palpating (examining by touch)

masses could cause more harm than good, citing the idea that burst cysts could spread cancer.

This claim contradicts established medical knowledge about cancer.

The compression used in mammograms does not spread cancer and is an important tool in detection.

“The benefits of early detection of breast cancer through mammography far outweigh any potential risks” as the National Cancer Institute states.

While a biopsy, which involves taking tissue or cells for examination, does carry a small risk

of spreading localized cancer.

Let’s break down why this misinformation is so dangerous.

While there are studies that look at minimizing radiation exposure, the risk of danger is incredibly small compared to the benefits of early detection.

If you have concerns about any medical procedure, the safest approach is to discuss them with a trusted healthcare professional who can give you accurate information based on your individual circumstances.

What steps can be taken to mitigate the spread of ‌health misinformation on social media platforms ⁣like TikTok?

## The Dangers of Misinformation: Why​ a Viral TikTok‌ Video About Cancer Screenings Is So Harmful

**Interviewer:** Joining us today is Dr. Emily Carter, a leading researcher in the field of health communication. ⁢Dr. Carter, thank you for ⁣being here.

**Dr. Carter:** It’s a pleasure to be here.

**Interviewer:** ​We’re addressing a ⁤concerning ⁣trend: the spread of ⁤misinformation⁢ on social media,‍ particularly ‌regarding crucial health topics like cancer screenings. Recently, a TikTok video by a nurse went viral, offering potentially dangerous advice about these screenings.

**Dr.‌ Carter:** That’s right. That’s a perfect example of the type of​ harm misinformation can cause. Platforms like TikTok, while‍ incredibly ‌popular, can‌ unfortunately become ‍breeding​ grounds for inaccurate health information, which can have serious consequences for​ people’s well-being.

**Interviewer:** Why is⁣ misinformation about cancer screenings particularly dangerous?

**Dr. Carter:**⁣ Early ⁣detection through screenings is absolutely vital⁣ in⁤ successfully‍ treating many cancers. When people receive inaccurate ‌information, such as the advice to avoid screenings, they may delay or forgo essential preventative measures, putting their ⁤health at risk.

**Interviewer:** What can we do to combat this?

**Dr. Carter:** Firstly, we need‍ to emphasize critical ‍thinking skills. Encourage people to ⁤evaluate information they see online, looking for ​credible‍ sources and evidence-based recommendations.

Secondly, we need to empower healthcare professionals to actively⁣ engage ⁣on these platforms, providing ‍accurate information and debunking harmful myths.

social media companies‌ themselves ⁤need to‍ take responsibility, implementing⁢ stricter ‌policies​ around health misinformation and promoting authoritative sources. [[1](https://www.captechu.edu/blog/tiktok-and-war-misinformation)]

**Interviewer:** ​Dr. Carter, ‍thank you for sharing your ⁣expertise on this crucial issue.

**Dr. Carter:** My pleasure. It’s ‌a conversation we all need to be having.