April 9, 2026
Dear CBC Marketplace Editorial Team,
We are writing in response to Mr. Dexter McMillan’s article, We analyzed 200 cancer and autism videos on TikTok and found the majority contain misinformation, published on October 24, 2025. We wanted to recognize your efforts towards addressing the increase in the presence of health misinformation on social media, specifically related to autism and cancer. The findings highlight the need for evidence-based communication and public education in such a critical time of digital media influence.
Your report on this subject shows how unproven and potential harmful treatments, such as chelation therapy, unapproved medical procedures such as stem cell therapy, or unsupported dietary and anti-parasitic “cures” can reach millions of viewers within a matter of days, and be a leading cause of misinformation. We greatly appreciate the inclusion of expert voices such as Dr. Penner and Dr. Gupta into the article. Their informed perspectives underscore the harm misinformation can cause when patients are bombarded by non-evidence-based information.
We encourage future coverage to also include additional discussion on how healthcare professionals, advocacy organizations, and online content creaters might collaborate to improve digital health literacy by showcasing ongoing initiatives that teach consumers to critically evaluate online health and treatment information – such as MedlinePlus’ “Evaluating Health Information,” and the NIH “Know the Science” campaigns. Such initiatives can support families to differentiate between reliable guidance and misinformation.
Additionally, sharing perspectives from self-advocates and parents could change the narrative away from “curing” autism, and toward strengthening acceptance and supporting improved quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Thank you for advancing this important conversation. Reports like this one play a crucial role in countering pseudoscience and promoting trust in credible resources. We would also like to share resources developed by the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) that may help consumers navigate online claims and find science-based interventions. We encourage readers to review our Becoming a Savvy Consumer initiative, the Learn More About Specific Treatments guide, and the New Parent Packet. These tools are designed to empower families to make informed, safe decisions.
Sincerely,
Avi Jaiswal, ASAT Extern, Association for Science in Autism Treatment
Reva Mathieu, EdD., BCBA., Duquesne University, ASAT Media Corner Co-Coordinator
