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Cancer Treatments Are 'Snake Oil,' FTC Says

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 19, 2008

WASHINGTON - The Federal Trade Commission charged five companies with making false and misleading claims for cancer cures and said Thursday that it has reached settlements with six others.

"As long as products have been sold there has been somebody out there selling snake oil to consumers," said Lydia Parnes, director of the FTC's bureau of consumer protection.

"There is no credible scientific evidence that any of the products marketed by these companies can prevent, cure or treat cancer of any kind," Parnes said.

The products the companies marketed include essiac teas and other herbal mixtures, laetrile, black salve (a corrosive ointment) and mushroom extracts.

The companies are: Omega Supply, San Diego; Native Essence Herb Co., El Prado, N.M.; Daniel Chapter One, Portsmouth, R.I.; Gemtronics Inc., Franklin, N.C.; and Herbs for Cancer, Surprise, Ariz.

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