We noticed posts circulating on social media that claim scientists have discovered bee venom can cure cancer. According to the posts, a recent study found that bee venom can “destroy 100% of breast cancer cells in less than 60 minutes.” 
Is there any truth to this claim? Based on our research, these recent claims were sparked by a research paper from 25 August in an Oncology Journal. However, while the circulating posts seem to suggest that a definite cure has been found, a closer look at the paper shows a less definite result.
According to the paper’s conclusion, bee venom (used with another natural compound) had “antiproliferative” effects on a specific strain of breast cancer cells. The authors conclude that this signifies its potential as a breast cancer treatment, but further investigations are required. Based on the paper, it appears that no human tests were carried out, which means that there is no research on bee venom’s efficacy on directly curing breast cancer in a human subject.
The claim about bee venom being able to cure cancer is not new – previous peer-reviewed research has similarly explored its potential, but we could find no indication that any steps have been made towards human trials or treatments. The statistic in the claim of “100% of breast cancer cells in less than 60 minutes” is from another study carried out in 2020 which did find the above in a laboratory setting. However, these findings have similarly not been replicated in human subjects and no updates from the researchers have been published since 2020.
Therefore, while there is potential for further research when it comes to the use of bee venom in certain cancer treatments, it is inaccurate to claim that “bee venom has been found to cure cancer.” We give this claim a rating of mostly false.
We also spotted similar claims of a “cure” being found circulating in 2020 and 2023, with some even being debunked by other fact-checking outlets.
However, despite debunking efforts, a report from earlier this year described how a woman in Vietnam, believing the claims of a bee’s sting curing cancer, developed severe complications after using honeybee stings in an attempt to treat her breast cancer.
The persistence of this claim – presented without context and crucial detail – highlights the very real danger of medical misinformation. It is crucial to seek out professional medical advice and treatment when it comes to remedies, particularly when it concerns something as serious as cancer. It is also important to cross check claims about “cures” and “new research” before sharing and reposting.
