Cancer in the news: an investigation into pseudoscience in cancer reporting via South African online news media
Date
2024-12
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. With the increasing reliance on online media for health information, the proliferation of pseudoscientific cancer claims poses a significant threat to informed health decisions. Therefore, this study investigated the presence of pseudoscience in cancer reporting via online news media in South Africa and explored the perceptions of South African cancer researchers regarding this issue. A mixed-methods approach was used to investigate the trends of pseudoscientific cancer reporting in South African online news, a content analysis was conducted on 431 cancer articles from the eight most popular South African news media sites over 10 years (2013—2022). A webbased survey explored the perceptions of South African cancer researchers regarding pseudoscientific cancer reporting and their roles and responsibilities in combatting misinformation. The study revealed several key findings about pseudoscience in South African online news media. The content analysis showed that only 8% of cancer news articles had sensationalised headlines and 10% contained sensationalised content, indicating a relatively high standard of online health journalism in South Africa. However, a concerning 74% of exaggerated claims found in 54 news articles lacked substantiation, often involving miracle cures, herbal remedies, alternative medicine, and superfoods. Positively, 62% of the articles actively debunked false treatments, such as rhino horn as a cancer cure, highlighting the media's role in promoting evidence-based practices and protecting both public health and the environment. The survey results revealed discrepancies between the content analysis and cancer researchers’ perceptions. While the content analysis indicated low sensationalism, only 13% of cancer researchers rated the quality of cancer news reporting as high. A substantial 76% believed news reports oversimplify scientific findings, and 84% perceived cancer news as frequently hyped, reflecting widespread concern about sensationalism and misrepresentation in cancer media coverage among South African cancer researchers. Furthermore, 62% of cancer researchers perceived an increase in pseudoscientific news media content over the past decade. While 34% of the news articles mentioned 147 different pseudoscientific cures, only 15% actively promoted these treatments. Although 53% of the cancer researchers were willing to engage with journalists to address pseudoscience, 66% had not done so, citing barriers such as time constraints and lack of institutional support. Engagement with the public also emerged as a key issue. An overwhelming 97% of cancer researchers recognised the importance of disseminating their findings, and 87% were willing to communicate with journalists. However, only 47% reported actual engagement with journalists, while 58% observed that their colleagues do not engage regularly, indicating systemic barriers within academic culture. The study highlights the need to uphold high standards of journalistic integrity and accuracy in health reporting, as well as the critical role of healthcare professionals, researchers, and institutions in ensuring factual reporting to counter pseudoscience. Collaborative efforts among scientists, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and journalists are essential to maintain rigorous standards, combat misinformation, and safeguard public health. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and improvement in media practices, as well as addressing systemic barriers that hinder researchers from engaging with the media to combat pseudoscience.
Description
Thesis (DPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2024.