Between Hope and Hokus Pokus – AI, Fake News and Cancer

Artificial intelligence has long since become a part of everyday life. Many people use AI tools to find out about symptoms, diagnoses or possible treatments – including in the context of cancer. This need for orientation is understandable. At the same time, we are facing a new challenge: it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between evidence-based medicine and mere anecdotal evidence, half-truths or even dangerous misinformation.

AI systems can process and present large amounts of information in a comprehensible way. However, they are no substitute for medical expertise. Medical decisions are based on scientific studies, clinical experience and, in particular, an individual assessment of the individual patient. AI is hardly able to make such complex assessments reliably.

Therefore, it is absolutely fine to use AI to find out more beforehand – as a tool, not as a diagnostic or treatment instrument. It is important to question the information critically and preferably to use content from public, reputable and well-rated sources (e.g. university hospitals, professional associations, cancer registries, guidelines such as ESMO or GIOS).

What is even more important is personal contact with medical professionals. Only there can findings be correctly interpreted, risks weighed up and individually appropriate therapies recommended.

We would be happy to discuss the results, ideas, suspected diagnoses or therapy approaches that you have researched with the help of AI in the context of a consultation in our network. Get in touch – together we will bring digital opportunities and medical expertise together in a meaningful way.