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Social media influencers promoting medical tests -

The Australian study published in JAMA Network Open examined over 1,000 influencer posts on social media, covering five medical tests.

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The study's findings -

The researchers found that these influencers, who had a combined following of 194 million, predominantly promoted the benefits of these tests while largely overlooking potential risks.

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Types of medical tests promoted -

The tests being promoted include full-body MRI scans, genetic cancer tests, testosterone level tests, AMH fertility tests, and gut microbiome tests, all marketed directly to consumers.

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Deep-dive into the different tests -

As influencers increasingly promote these tests, it's important to understand their validity and potential risks. 

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Genetic testing for cancer -

Genetic tests claim to identify early signs of 50 cancers, but their accuracy is limited and can lead to unnecessary stress. 

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Full-body MRI scans -

Full-body MRI scans are marketed as a way to detect diseases early, but they may not accurately identify health issues.

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Blood tests for testosterone levels -

Blood tests measuring testosterone levels are often promoted to assess hormone balance, but they may not be necessary for everyone.

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Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) test -

The AMH test, known as the "egg timer" test, is marketed as a way to measure a woman's egg count, but it's not a definitive indicator of fertility.

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Gut microbiome test -

Gut microbiome tests analyze bacterial composition in the digestive system, but there's a lack of clear clinical evidence that they predict health issues.

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Lack of risk information -

Influencer posts about these medical tests largely focused on their benefits, with 85% failing to mention potential risks. These risks can include overdiagnoses, overtreatment, and unnecessary anxiety or pain for consumers.

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Warnings -

Medical experts caution that these tests often lack sufficient evidence to prove their benefits for healthy individuals. They may even cause harm, such as unnecessary medical procedures or false assurances.

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Influencers' financial incentives -

The study found that 68% of influencers promoting these tests had financial interests, such as sponsorships or commissions on sales.

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Lack of medical training -

Experts warn that many influencers lack the medical training to assess the science behind their promotions, spreading misleading or incomplete information.

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The dangers of misleading medical advice -

Medical experts warn that direct-to-consumer tests can lead to unnecessary testing, resulting in pain, anxiety, or even harm. 

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Overdiagnoses and overtreatment -

One of the major risks of these tests is overdiagnosing, leading to unnecessary treatments and procedures with potential long-term consequences.

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False positive results -

False positives can cause anxiety and lead to invasive, potentially harmful tests without reflecting true health status.

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False negative results -

On the flip side, false negatives can give a false sense of security, causing people to ignore potential health risks.

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Posts from physicians -

Notably, posts from physicians, making up about 15% of the total, were less promotional and more likely to mention potential harms.

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Need for stronger regulation -

Researchers emphasized that the results highlight the urgent need for stronger regulation to prevent misleading medical information on social media platforms.

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The "SIFT" method -

To avoid misinformation, experts recommend the "SIFT" method to assess medical claims on social media.

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Stop and reflect -

The first step in the "SIFT" method is to stop and consider your emotional response to the post. If it triggers strong emotions, it could be an attempt to manipulate you into making impulsive decisions.

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Investigate the source -

Next, investigate the author or creator of the post. Check if they have financial incentives or the medical credentials necessary to give trustworthy advice on the subject.

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Find trusted information -

When researching health claims, use reliable sources like medical journals, government health sites, and fact-checkers such as FactCheck.org or Snopes to verify accuracy and avoid misinformation.

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Trace claims to their source -

Trace social media claims to their original source; lack of a credible source signals potential misinformation.

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Misinformation on social media -

Social media platforms frequently lack factual accuracy and instead rely on sensationalism to capture attention.

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The need for expert guidance -

The best way to sort fact from fiction is by consulting with a qualified healthcare provider who knows your medical history.

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Why consulting doctors is key -

Doctors generally don't promote influencer-endorsed tests, as they may lack scientific support. Instead, they offer advice based on clinical expertise and patient safety.

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Don't fall for the hype -

Influencers are persuasive but don't fall for the hype. Always consult professionals and verify information before choosing health tests.

Sources: (Euronews) (Everyday Health) 

See also: Common myths about women's health

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