The claim: Rubbing hydrogen peroxide on skin treats cancer
The Biden administration launched a new initiative this month aimed at cutting the number of cancer deaths in half over the next 25 years.
Cancer occurs when cells abnormally divide in the body and damage healthy tissues, according to the Mayo Clinic. But some social media users are claiming that can be addressed with a basic item most people already have at home.
A Facebook video shared Jan. 5 shows a recording of a 2-minute TikTok video in which an unidentified speaker is describing hydrogen peroxide – a colorless compound made of water and an extra oxygen molecule – on a whiteboard.
The video generated close to 6,500 interactions and 67,000 views in less than three weeks.
Low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are used as an antiseptic to treat minor cuts, according to Cleveland Clinic. But it can't cure cancer, as other independent fact-checking organizations have reported.
Hydrogen peroxide not a cure for cancer
The claim that applying hydrogen peroxide topically can treat cancer is baseless, Dr. Adam Friedman, chair of dermatology at George Washington University, told USA TODAY.
