Last Updated on October 26, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that the deworming drug Fenbendazole can cure Cancer. We fact-checked and found this claim to be False.
The Claim
In a video posted on Facebook, a man says, “I got a call from an animal veterinarian in western Oklahoma, who is a college friend and a family friend. He told me this crazy story about a scientist who has been doing cancer research on mice. She had hundreds of mice, and some had cancer all over the body. Her mice population was down within intestinal parasites and she had no choice but to save her research. She gave all of her mice fenbendazole. If you go to any zoo in the world, they bring in fenbendazole by a truckload front-end loader, head-high piles in bays because they give them to every single animal. And she did, and unfortunately or fortunately for all of us, she she accidentally killed all the cancer.”
The video gained more than 12k views and around 339 reactions until this was posted.
Fact Check
What is Fenbendazole?
Fenbendazole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic medication, which means it is effective against a wide range of parasitic worms. It is commonly used to treat and prevent intestinal parasites in animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and livestock. Fenbendazole is available in various forms, including oral granules, suspensions, and pastes.
Fenbendazole works by disrupting the energy metabolism of parasites, specifically by inhibiting the formation of microtubules, which are essential for cell division and nutrient uptake. As a result, the parasites are unable to survive and eventually die.
Can Fenbendazole cure cancer?
No. Fenbendazole is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic medication primarily used to treat parasitic worm infections in animals. While some preliminary research has shown potential anti-cancer properties of fenbendazole in laboratory settings, there is currently no conclusive evidence from rigorous clinical trials to support the claim that fenbendazole can cure cancer in humans.
The existing evidence is limited to in vitro (test tube) and animal studies, which have shown that fenbendazole can inhibit the growth of certain types of cancer cells. However, these findings have not been translated into effective treatments for cancer in humans.
Furthermore, another research has concluded that it has no value in cancer therapy.
Dr P. Rammanohar, Research Director, Amrita School of Ayurveda, highlights this by stating, “Cancer is not a single disease, and there is no remedy for cancer. Different types of cancer are treated with different procedures of chemotherapy. One drug does not work across all cancers.”
Moreover, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved fenbendazole for the treatment of cancer. Using fenbendazole for cancer treatment is considered an off-label use, meaning it is not approved for that specific purpose.
Cancer treatment depends on various factors, including the type and stage of cancer. It often involves a combination of treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. These treatments have been extensively researched and proven effective in managing and sometimes curing certain types of cancer.
Shivashankar T., Chief Clinical Nutritionist and Dietician at Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai further informs that a good diet is important in cancer treatment. He further explains that “A healthy diet plays an important role in supporting overall health and well-being during cancer treatment. A diet high in good protein and no simple carbohydrates as well as inflammatory proteins can be beneficial for the cancer patients. However, this diet advice needs to be altered for every patient according to the requirements of their body.”
Our research further shows that cancer treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including medical interventions like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and targeted therapies.
It is important to note that self-treating with fenbendazole for cancer can be dangerous. Fenbendazole can have side effects, including liver damage, and may interact with other medications. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before considering any off-label use of fenbendazole or any other medication.
Currently, there is no definitive evidence to support the claim that fenbendazole can cure cancer in humans. More rigorous clinical trials are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fenbendazole for cancer treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about cancer treatment, it is essential to discuss them with your doctor.
Interestingly, some people even believe that turmeric can work as a dewormer. However, that is also not completely true.
What can be the dangers of not seeking medical advice for treating cancer?
Cancer is a complicated disease and relying on unproven treatments and not seeking proper medical treatment can worsen the condition making cancer incurable. Several people fall prey and believe claims, such as herbal supplements can fight cancer, but that is not true. In extreme instances, such therapies can be unsafe or fatal, possibly hindering conventional cancer treatment. It is important to be cautious of unsubstantiated claims or miracle cures that lack proper scientific validation. Remember, cancer multiplies quickly and spreads throughout the body in a short span. Any delay in the treatment will make the condition difficult to treat.
Similarly, THIP Media has fact-checked another claim that stated that cancer cells die without sugar in the body and Selenium can cure cancer.
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