An undercover BBC investigation has uncovered that an animal dewormer and a drug typically used to treat scabies are being sold and promoted as unproven cancer treatments in the United Kingdom.

These medications, fenbendazole and ivermectin, lack any clinical evidence to support their efficacy against cancer. Their promotion as alternative therapies raises significant concerns among medical professionals and cancer support organizations about the potential risks to vulnerable patients.

An undercover reporter was able to purchase fenbendazole and ivermectin from a stairlift salesman in south Wales for £100, presented as a two-to-three-month supply for treating lung and other cancers. The salesman, Jason Sarver, also provided links to videos making unsubstantiated claims about the drugs' effectiveness against cancer.

Senior doctors are worried that patients might be misled into taking these unproven treatments, which could potentially harm them or delay them from seeking conventional, evidence-based medical care. Macmillan Cancer Support reported an increase in people inquiring about these medicines, despite the absence of clinical validation.

Sarver, who reportedly discussed these drugs with a man whose father was undergoing cancer treatment, claimed to "pass on what I hear" and cited research into medical papers, while stating he was "not a doctor." The BBC also found the products listed on Amazon, which subsequently removed them after being contacted and stated they have measures to prevent prohibited items from third-party sellers.

The BBC's findings highlight a concerning trend of unproven medical claims circulating online, with videos promoting fenbendazole and ivermectin for cancer treatment garnering millions of views. Even public figures, like Hollywood actor Mel Gibson, have made anecdotal claims about the drugs successfully treating cancer in friends.

While ivermectin is an anti-parasitic drug approved for conditions like scabies, and fenbendazole is an animal dewormer, neither has undergone rigorous testing or received approval for human cancer treatment. Medical experts emphasize that relying on such unverified remedies can be dangerous, diverting patients from treatments that have proven benefits and potentially leading to adverse health outcomes.

Questions remain about the extent of the online promotion of these drugs as cancer cures and the accessibility of such substances to vulnerable individuals seeking hope outside conventional medical pathways. Health authorities continue to monitor such trends, urging the public to rely on evidence-based treatments and consult healthcare professionals for cancer care.