I Shared My Cancer Diagnosis Online, and the MLM Messages Came Flooding In

When I revealed my breast cancer recurrence to my social media followers, I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, with many people sending thoughtful messages and gifts. Along with the encouragement, I noticed a significant increase in direct messages, particularly from women sharing their own health journeys—something I felt honored to be a part of. However, I was also taken aback by the unsolicited “hey, girl” messages from MLM (multi-level marketing) consultants offering me supposed “cures” for my condition.

As someone with type 1 diabetes, I’m no stranger to these types of messages. I often receive DMs from individuals eager to send me samples of shakes, supplements, and essential oils that are “guaranteed” (insert eye roll) to alleviate my autoimmune disease. While my condition has no medical cure, these MLM representatives suggest that a roll-on oil or a high-dose vitamin derived from a little-known tree could be all it takes to make me well again.

Equally prevalent are messages enticing me to join their sales teams, promising deep discounts, free products, and motivational conferences where we can all support each other. They invite me into their “tribe,” a term that raises eyebrows given its problematic implications. Thanks, but no thanks—I refuse to let anyone exploit my health struggles for their financial gain.

It’s unsettling to see MLM representatives, who lack medical credentials, confidently assert that they can assist patients like me through serious health challenges. They cloak their sales pitches in faux empathy, offering what they claim is a way out of my “Sick Town.” They sell hope in the form of unregulated products, which is troubling.

Let me be clear: I’m not dismissing all supplements. I take several recommended by a registered dietitian, a professional who bases their advice on rigorous research and evidence. I enjoy making my own green smoothies, and I use an essential oil diffuser, but I won’t disregard the extensive medical research that supports proven treatments for my conditions. For instance, if I were to skip insulin for a day, that would be catastrophic. If I chose to forego chemotherapy in favor of a vitamin combination “suggested” by someone named Sarah from California, I would likely regret that decision.

Yes, I will continue exercising, meditating, journaling, praying, and taking my vitamins. However, I won’t compromise my health by opting for a capsule of crushed organic herbs that Melissa from Minnesota claims will eliminate my cancer cells.

I’m exhausted by MLM advocates trying to profit from my health issues. They don’t genuinely care about me; they see me as a potential source of income. I don’t respond to their messages because I need to conserve my energy for my health battles.

While I can see through their tactics, I worry that others might not be as discerning. Some might actually trust claims made by “Essential Oil Emma” or “Supplement Sarah,” putting their health at risk by purchasing dubious products. Conversations among women are essential, but my health isn’t a feel-good movie where everything resolves magically. Real challenges require real solutions—a fact that is best addressed by qualified medical professionals.

Just because I’m unwell doesn’t mean I need a wellness coach or an exercise program. When I need help with the complexities of medical anxiety, I consult a licensed therapist. If I want to adjust my exercise routine, I seek guidance from physical therapists or fitness experts experienced in dealing with patients like myself. I refuse to fund someone’s side hustle—especially when they have minimal experience or education.

My father, a former salesperson, always reminded me that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Anyone claiming to have a cure for my ailments is not being truthful. If they genuinely had a remedy for my autoimmune issues, cancer, or anxiety, they wouldn’t be working for a few coins a day in a pyramid scheme; they’d be celebrated worldwide.

Ultimately, I want MLM representatives to understand that I won’t be their guinea pig and won’t allow my health struggles to be exploited for their profit. Instead of trying to take advantage of me, I wish they would pursue careers that genuinely help people manage and recover from illnesses. Until then, unless you are a qualified medical professional I choose to engage with, please keep your distance. I have a fight ahead of me that requires real solutions.

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Summary:

The author discusses their experience of sharing their breast cancer recurrence on social media, which led to both supportive messages and unsolicited offers from MLM representatives claiming to provide cures. They express frustration over the exploitation of health conditions for profit and emphasize the importance of relying on qualified medical professionals for treatment rather than unproven products. The piece highlights the need for genuine empathy and support in health struggles while rejecting opportunistic sales tactics.

Keyphrase: cancer diagnosis and MLM messages

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