Bac Ninh provincial police dismantled a ring producing counterfeit nutritional supplements for cancer patients on 12/2. The Fucoidan supplements, marketed by the company, were advertised to help prevent cancer cell growth and target those with conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, and cancer. However, inspections revealed the products failed to meet declared standards for content, ingredients, or origin. Many batches contained cheap ingredients from Trung Quoc, priced at just one-tenth of the advertised cost.

The "Fucoidan dietary supplement" was heavily advertised.

Doctor Ngo Van Ty, from the Oncology Department at Hanoi Medical University Hospital, highlighted the severe risks of fake cancer supplements. These products lack active therapeutic ingredients, offering no curative effect, which accelerates disease progression. The most alarming danger is that patients may miss the "golden window" for effective treatment. Believing exaggerated claims that fake products can "prevent cancer cells from growing", many neglect or abandon conventional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. This neglect leads to physical debilitation, as the body is deprived of essential nutrients needed to combat the illness.

"Cancer progresses rapidly; a delay of just a few months can cause the disease to metastasize, making it incurable", the doctor warned.

The use of cheap ingredients, costing only one-tenth of the advertised price, means these products often contain harmful contaminants, heavy metals, corticosteroids, and banned substances, contrary to their claims. Such impurities can cause liver and kidney damage, or introduce bacteria and mold due to unsanitary production. For cancer patients, whose bodies are already weakened, metabolizing these toxic substances from fake supplements can lead to rapid organ failure.

Moreover, unidentified ingredients in these counterfeit products can negatively interact with conventional cancer treatments, potentially causing immune suppression, blood clotting disorders, allergic reactions, poisoning, or even anaphylactic shock.

Cancer patients and their families often invest significant hope in supplementary products. Discovering they have used counterfeit items can lead to psychological collapse, despair, a loss of faith in the healthcare system, and substantial financial burdens.

Doctor Nguyen Huy Hoang, from the Vietnam-Russia Hyperbaric Oxygen Center, Ministry of National Defense, advised patients who have consumed fake supplements to bring the product packaging to the hospital. Providing specific details about the supplement, including type, dosage, and duration of use, will enable doctors to accurately monitor treatment. Patients should also closely observe any unusual symptoms like headaches, nausea, digestive disorders, or allergic reactions, and record their progression to share with their doctor.

To help consumers avoid counterfeit products, the doctor offered five guidelines:

1. **Understand product classification**: Differentiate between functional foods, which support health, and medicines, which treat diseases.

2. **Scrutinize labels**: Carefully read product labels or packaging for details on ingredients, active compounds, and whether content meets daily recommendations. Also, check for auxiliary ingredients like preservatives, flavorings, food colorings, allergens, or harmful substances.

3. **Adhere to usage instructions**: Follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage and usage instructions, usually found on the label or quality declaration sheet. Avoid increasing dosage independently to prevent poisoning. Children, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying medical conditions should consult a doctor before using any supplements.

4. **Verify manufacturer credentials**: Check manufacturer information and certifications for standards such as Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), ISO, HACCP, or Ministry of Health approval. Barcodes or QR codes can also be used to verify product information.

5. **Inspect expiration and packaging**: Always check the product's expiration date and avoid purchasing items nearing expiry or with damaged packaging.

Thuy An