Mel Gibson's cancer treatment claims branded 'dangerous, cruel and irresponsible' by Canadian Cancer Society. Here's what to know
The organization slammed Gibson for promoting treatments that are "not scientifically proven."
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Mel Gibson’s recent appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience” has prompted a statement from the Canadian Cancer Society. During a Jan. 9 episode, the Oscar-winning actor and director spoke to podcast host Joe Rogan about a myriad of topics during their more than 2-hour conversation. When the conversation turned to health, Gibson and Rogan both shared their distrust in pharmaceutical industry.
“I don’t believe that there is anything that can afflict mankind that hasn’t got a natural cure for it,” Gibson told Rogan. “It just makes sense to me. I couldn’t prove that, but I just believe…”
Gibson went on to share “a good story” with Rogan about friends who allegedly used alternative therapies to treat cancer.
“I have three friends, all of them had stage 4 cancer. All three of them don’t have cancer right now at all," he said. "They had some serious stuff going on.”
According to Gibson, his friends took ivermectin and fenbendazole among other things to treat their illnesses — although he did not disclose their type of cancer.
“This stuff works, man,” Gibson said.
The interview, which has been viewed more than 5.8 million times on YouTube alone, resulted in the Canadian Cancer Society issuing a statement via social media to address Gibson's claims.
During Joe Rogan’s podcast on January 9, Mel Gibson promoted drugs that are not scientifically proven cancer treatments. Misinformation on cancer treatment is dangerous, cruel, irresponsible and gives false hope to people with cancer and their loved ones.
Researchers around the…— Canadian Cancer Society (@cancersociety) January 10, 2025
"During Joe Rogan’s podcast on Jan. 9, Mel Gibson promoted drugs that are not scientifically proven cancer treatments," the statement began. "Misinformation on cancer treatment is dangerous, cruel, irresponsible and gives false hope to people with cancer and their loved ones.
"Researchers around the world dedicate their lives to uncovering the best cancer treatments. Surgery, radiation and approved cancer drugs like chemotherapy are safe and proven to stop cancer cells from growing and spreading. Choosing to use an alternative therapy can have serious health effects, such as the cancer spreading or getting worse."
What is ivermectin?
Ivermectin is an oral medication used to treat parasitic infections caused by worms, lice and mites. In Canada, it’s approved to treat worm infections like strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness. It was discovered in the 1970s and was originally developed as a veterinary drug.
In August 2021, Health Canada issued an advisory amid reports “of the use of veterinary ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19.”
“There is no evidence that ivermectin in either formulation is safe or effective when used for those purposes…” the statement said. “The veterinary version of ivermectin, especially at high doses, can be dangerous for humans and may cause serious health problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, allergic reactions, dizziness, seizures, coma and even death. Ivermectin products for animals have a higher concentrated dose than ivermectin products for people.”
Is there evidence that ivermectin can treat or cure cancer?
No, there is currently no evidence that ivermectin can cure cancer in humans. There have been studies published exploring the use of ivermectin in to treat breast cancer (in combination with chemotherapy and other cancer drugs) and the potential benefits of ivermectin to help slow cancer cell growth. More research is required on the topic.
What is fenbendazole?
Fenbendazole is an anti-parasitic medication used to treat infections like heartworm, ringworm, hookworm in animals. Fenbendazole is not approved for human use by Health Canada, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Fenbendazole and cancer treatment
Several studies have been published examining the potential benefits of fenbendazole as a cancer treatment. However, the's not enough data to support claims that it could potentially cure cancer or benefit cancer patients.
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