Biopsies can’t cause breast cancer to spread, Council rubbishes claims

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Traditional and Alternative Medicine Council has dismissed claims circulating online that breast cancer biopsies cause the disease to spread, calling them scientifically unfounded.

The council made the clarification on Tuesday noting that biopsy is a safe, standard, and globally recognized method for confirming the type of cancer and guiding timely treatment.

The Council also noted that the person appearing in the viral video is not a recognized Traditional Medicine practitioner and has been linked to online “network marketing” businesses, meaning they are not qualified to provide health education.

“Misleading claims like these could endanger patients by delaying proper diagnosis and treatment,” the council stated.

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Moreover, the council directed all Traditional and Alternative Medicine practitioners, as well as traders and entrepreneurs of health products, to immediately remove any misleading advertisements as false information can prevent patients from accessing proper medical care and deny them their basic right to quality health services.

“We urge the public not to rely on unverified information and instead seek testing and treatment at official health facilities staffed by certified professionals,” the council added.

However, the government has pledged to take legal action against anyone spreading false information that could threaten public health.