Sri Lankan health experts have warned patients against relying on bitter melon as a cancer treatment after social media users circulated a false claim that the tropical vine is "proven to help cure" the disease. While studies have found the vegetable may have anti-cancer properties, oncologists told AFP there is no hard evidence it can treat the illness. They have also cautioned against shunning standard therapies for untested remedies.

"Bitter melon can destroy cancer cells. Cut two or three slices and place them in a glass. Pour warm water on them. Drink that water at least once a day," reads a Facebook post in the Sinhala language published on September 9, 2023.

"This process makes the bitter melon release an anti-carcinogenic compound that is used in alternative treatment regimes against cancer. The warm bitter melon water has been shown to be effective against tumours. It is proven to help cure various types of cancer. It also attacks only cancer cells and not healthy cells."

The post says a doctor at a military hospital in China has vouched for the treatment.

"Please share this message with your nearest and dearest. Professor Chen Hui of the Beijing Army General Hospital confirms that if this information is shared among at least 10 people, at least one life will be saved. I have done my part, hope you will do yours."

Identical claims have been shared in other Facebook posts including here and here.

While some studies have found that bitter melon may have anti-cancer...

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