A recent study published in the Journal of The National Cancer Institute Cancer Spectrum found that the AI chatbot ChatGPT correctly answered 97% of common cancer myths and misconceptions. Conducted by Dr. Skyler Johnson and his team at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, the study aimed to evaluate the reliability of cancer-related information provided by AI. While ChatGPT’s accuracy is commendable, concerns were raised about the potential misinterpretation of its indirect and vague language, which could mislead cancer patients and affect decision-making. Reviewers, who were blinded to the source of the answers, noted the chatbot’s responses might lead to unclear communication. Johnson highlighted the difficulty cancer patients face in accessing accurate information, pointing out that misinformation on social media can be harmful. The study emphasizes caution in advising patients to rely on chatbots for cancer information, particularly as more individuals turn to digital resources for guidance. The researchers call for further evaluation of chatbots’ roles in patient decision-making and understanding the types of questions patients pose to these AI systems. Further studies are planned to assess how frequently patients utilize chatbots for cancer inquiries and the accuracy of responses to less common questions.
