A lot of information about cancer is inaccurate and misleading and can cause more harm than good, a leading doctor has warned.

According to Dr Robert O'Connor, head of research at the Irish Cancer Society, a diagnosis of cancer can be devastating for all those involved, with many feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information that is available to them.

"Health is big business and we are constantly bombarded with information on health matters. Much of it is inaccurate and misleading, particularly when it refers to cancer," he commented.

Some 40,000 people in Ireland will be diagnosed with cancer this year and Dr O'Connor pointed out that there are hundreds of different types of the disease and when a person is diagnosed, their doctor will outline the medical treatments that are available to them.

"But we know most patients will seek further information, either online, or through friends and family. Unfortunately though, most of this advice does not come from a qualified professional who has the knowledge to be able to guide an individual case and such information may in fact do more harm than good," he explained.

He insisted that the media is full of ‘alternative facts' about all topics, including cancer. For example, the internet is awash with myths about what does and does not cause cancer. He noted that fluoride and mobile phones are two things that are regularly blamed for causing the disease, however neither actually does.

He also criticised unregulated ‘nutritionists' and celebrities who endorse various ‘superfoods' or fad diets as an aid to cancer treatment. Dr O'Connor emphasised that strict dietary regimes during cancer treatment can damage a person's ability to fight the disease.

He also noted that the internet tends to be full of cancer ‘cures', even when there is no evidence that these work. Furthermore, these products tend to be costly and unregulated, so people do not even know what is in them.

"There is huge fear around health matters and most of us feel that we are wrapped in a jungle of this information and don't know any more what we should be doing to best protect our health," he said.

He emphasised that at the heart of any cancer recovery journey 'must be a healthy balanced diet'.

"This will often need to be tailored to that patient's needs. Research is also pointing towards the importance of a healthy diet and physical activity as a way to reduce your cancer risk.

"These measures are actually fairly simple and the European Code Against Cancer has outlined 12 ways in which we can reduce our cancer risk, which includes not smoking, limiting our alcohol intake, taking exercise, minding our weight, availing of screening services and interventions like the HPV vaccine, and avoiding too much sun," he commented.

He added that ultimately, people need to respect their health.

"If our car breaks down, we don't rely on information from unreliable sources to get it back on the road. We get a mechanic to find out what's wrong and make the necessary repairs. We need to think the same way when it comes to our bodies. When something's wrong, we need to get proper support and guidance from professionals and accurate evidence-based supports."

For more information on cancer and the various supports available, click here

Cancer patients who require dietary advice are recommended to see a registered dietitian, who are are experts in diet and nutrition. Dietitians are regulated and they are the only nutrition professionals that can be employed by the HSE. For more information, click here