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Alternative cancer clinics' use of Google listings and reviews to mislead potential patients

Medicine and Health

Alternative cancer clinics' use of Google listings and reviews to mislead potential patients

M. Zenone, J. Snyder, et al.

Discover how alternative cancer clinics manipulate online perceptions despite offering treatments with poorer outcomes. This research, conducted by Marco Zenone and colleagues, critically examines the misleading Google reviews and ratings these clinics maintain, urging a reevaluation of their online reputations.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
Alternative cancer clinics, offering treatments linked to worse outcomes, actively cultivate favorable online impressions. This study analyzes Google listings and reviews of 47 such clinics. Results reveal that most clinics avoid labeling themselves as 'alternative,' receiving high ratings (median 4.5 stars). Positive reviews emphasize treatment quality, care, and purported positive outcomes (including cures), while negative reviews cite financial exploitation, worsened conditions, poor care, and misrepresented outcomes. The study concludes that Google's current system facilitates the creation of misleading online ecosystems, and Google reviews are unreliable indicators of treatment efficacy, highlighting the need for improved safeguards.
Publisher
BJC Reports
Published On
Aug 06, 2024
Authors
Marco Zenone, Jeremy Snyder, May van Schalkwyk, Jean-Christophe Bélisle-Pipon, Greg Hartwell, Timothy Caulfield, Nason Maani
Tags
cancer clinics
online reviews
treatment efficacy
misleading ratings
healthcare marketing
patient outcomes
Google listings

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