Turbo Cancer

'Turbo Cancer' is an anti-vaccination myth centred on the idea that people vaccinated against Covid-19, especially with mRNA vaccines, are suffering from a high incidence of fast-developing cancers. The myth, spread by a number of vaccine opponents and related influencers including doctors, has no factual basis. A recent example in April 2024 of the endurance of the conspiracy theory emerged regarding Kate Middleton, the Princess Wales. On X, a post written in simplified Chinese said: "Princess Kate has been diagnosed with cancer -- she very likely has Turbo Cancer, caused by her mRNA vaccination in 2021." As reported by AP Fact Check, experts have reiterated that there is no evidence linking cancer with Covid-19 vaccination, contrary to the false claims that circulated on social media after Middleton revealed she had been diagnosed with the disease aged just 42. An increase in the recorded rates of cancer in young people has been observed since at least the early 1990s.

News of O.J. Simpson's death, also in April 2024, prompted a rash of unfounded declarations on social media that the former American NFL football star - famously acquitted of the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her partner - was another victim of the Covid-19 vaccine and 'Turbo Cancer'.

Reuters Fact Check discounted the spread of the Turbo Cancer theory in Japan in May 2024. A health ministry official told the news agency that Japan has not declared a national emergency over a purported explosion of cancer cases, adding that mRNA vaccines do not cause cancer. A study in Japan cited in an article shared on social media did not demonstrate a rise in cancer after mRNA COVID-19 vaccines were introduced or any link between them and cancer deaths, a data analysis expert said.

In January, 2024 a former BBC historian turned commentator for GB News was widely criticized for promoting claims that a so-called ‘Turbo Cancer' exists. Neil Oliver, best known for presenting documentaries, including A History of Scotland, Vikings and Coast, said pharmaceutical company Pfizer was buying companies working on treatments for the disease which experts say does not exist. His comments came as he offered his opinions on Pfizer’s acquisition of Seagen, a biotechnology company focused on cancer treatments.

(Last updated on 07/18/2024)