“Fake News'—5G mobile phones and skin cancer: A global analysis of concerns on social media

Rafferty, Siobhan; O’Connor, Cathal; Murphy, Michelle

doi:10.1111/srt.12912

Cited by 6 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 2 publications

(2 reference statements)

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“…Many websites claim that skin cancer is caused by agents other than UV radiation, including sunscreen itself, as discussed previously. Mobile networks, particularly 5G, have been falsely touted as a cause of skin cancer 9 . During the COVID‐19 pandemic, one website specifically quantified that using hand sanitizer for 50–60 days causes skin cancer.…”

Section: Reportmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A qualitative review of misinformation and conspiracy theories in skin cancer

O’Connor

Rafferty

Murphy

2022

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology

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Misinformation on diseases and treatments is a worldwide threat and can lead to worse outcomes for patients with skin cancer. The aim of this study was to qualitatively assess the content of online misinformation related to skin cancer. Searches were performed via PubMed and Google using the terms 'skin cancer' OR 'melanoma' OR 'non-melanoma skin cancer' OR 'SCC' OR 'BCC' AND 'misinformation' OR 'disinformation' OR 'conspiracy theories'. The most common themes of misinformation related to skin cancer included assertions of the 'dangers' of using sunscreen and alternative sunscreen practices; promotion of tanning and Melanotan (an unlicensed and untested form of a-melanocyte-stimulating hormone) as safe practices; claims that risk of skin cancer are limited to people who are older or have fair skin; and assertions of alternative 'causes' and alternative 'cures' for skin cancer. Sunscreen was particularly vilified as being an ineffective prophylactic measure and a cause of skin cancer. Dermatologists should be aware of misinformation available online relating to skin cancer, and refute and rebut misleading health information.

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Section: Reportmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Mobile networks, particularly 5G, have been falsely touted as a cause of skin cancer. 9 During the COVID‐19 pandemic, one website specifically quantified that using hand sanitizer for 50–60 days causes skin cancer. False claims that ‘DNA’ COVID‐19 vaccines cause skin cancer exist on Twitter.…”

Section: Reportmentioning

confidence: 99%

A qualitative review of misinformation and conspiracy theories in skin cancer

O’Connor

Rafferty

Murphy

2022

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…3 Misinformation or “fake news” is another worrying trend that is spreading on social media platforms, especially when it comes to health‐related subjects like the supposed connection between 5G smartphones and skin cancer. 5 False information is widely disseminated, which can cause unwarranted panic and uncertainty among the public, according to a global analysis of social media concerns about this topic. 5 The dissemination of precise, evidence‐based information and the correction of misinformation are crucial for educating people and giving them the power to make decisions about their health and well‐being.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“… 5 False information is widely disseminated, which can cause unwarranted panic and uncertainty among the public, according to a global analysis of social media concerns about this topic. 5 The dissemination of precise, evidence‐based information and the correction of misinformation are crucial for educating people and giving them the power to make decisions about their health and well‐being. 5 …”

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confidence: 99%