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A team of researchers has claimed that YouTube videos on prostate cancer expose patients to risk because of misleading medical information.
Scientists from the NYU School of Medicine badyzed the 150 most watched YouTube videos on the disease and reported that 77% had factual errors or biased content in the video or comments section.
Their work, published in the journal European Urology, revealed that while 75% of the videos exhaustively described the benefits of different treatments, only 53% warned of their side effects.
According to the team, 19% of videos also recommended alternative and unproven drugs, some of which could directly harm patients.
A video was promoting "injecting herbs" into the prostate to treat cancer.
The researchers said that the audience of these videos was important, with 1.3 million viewers in total.
"Our study shows that people really need to be wary of many YouTube videos about prostate cancer," said Dr. Stacy Loeb, urologist, who chairs a panel of American social media experts. Urological Association (AUA).
"They contain valuable information, but users need to check the source for credibility and be cautious about the speed with which videos become obsolete, with care guidelines constantly evolving with science."
Dr. Loeb said that credible online sources of information about prostate cancer are widely available. In the United Kingdom, website for the NHS offers details on diagnosis and treatment.
She added that the volume of videos on YouTube prevents medical experts from constantly reviewing them as part of any "policing" effort.
However, she suggested to doctors and viewers to use the YouTube reporting feature to alert the tech giant of videos that convey misleading information.
A YouTube spokesperson could not immediately respond to Sky News when he was contacted.
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