“The hardest part of my cancer journey was misinformation”

When Sharron Moffatt was diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer in January 2024, her world was turned upside down. But alongside the physical and emotional toll of cancer, she faced another challenge: a flood of cancer misinformation.

The mental health first aid (MFHA) trainer and speaker, from Buckinghamshire, was working in the corporate wellbeing industry when she noticed her right breast growing in December 2023.

Sharron one day before her diagnosis with Rudy, the senior dog she adopted.

Just eighteen months earlier, Sharron’s mother died from metastatic breast cancer after facing the disease three times. It was this heartbreaking loss that prompted Sharron to always check her breasts.

“I miss my mum terribly, but I’m grateful to her because I learned so much about how to navigate cancer from watching her take it in her stride,” Sharron said.

Following tests at her local breast cancer clinic, Sharron was officially diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer on 7 January 2024.

A hospital selfie taken during one of Sharron’s tests.

Further investigations, including an ultrasound and biopsy, revealed three large tumours in her right breast which measured 12 centimetres combined.

“I broke down in tears wondering how I would tell my family, if anyone would ever work with me again and how I would walk the senior dog I adopted just one week prior,” Sharron shared.

Sharron with Rudy during cancer treatment.

Her treatment included seven rounds of chemotherapy, a single mastectomy and radiotherapy followed by further chemotherapy – spanning twenty months in total.

“Cancer takes so much from you, I was even on the cusp of having to stop treatment because I lost so much weight. During my first round of chemotherapy, I was really sick for around three days. When I finally recovered, it was time for my next infusion,” Sharron explained.

Despite the gruelling effects of her treatment, which included fatigue, hair loss, nausea and even liver cirrhosis – the hardest part of Sharron’s experience wasn’t the cancer itself. It was the misinformation that preyed on her through one of the most vulnerable moments of her life.

“During chemotherapy, I became so ill I didn’t recognise myself. That was hard. But the hardest thing for me, which still makes me uncomfortable to this day, was the misinformation I received,” Sharron said.

After sharing her cancer diagnosis on social media, Sharron was inundated with messages and claims about apricot kernels – the seeds found inside apricot stones – which were positioned to her as a “natural” cancer cure.

Sharron receiving an IV infusion.

The claims centre on a plant compound called amygdalin, which is found in apricot kernels, but there is no evidence that it treats cancer in humans. In fact, consuming apricot kernels can be dangerous because amygdalin releases cyanide in the body.

But the misleading claims didn’t end there. More recently, Sharron was contacted by someone on Instagram who claimed to have cured themselves of stage four melanoma by “healing their trauma.”

When Sharron asked for evidence to support the claim, she was met with defensiveness and hostility.

“Many of those on social media will deliberately target vulnerable people. I can understand why someone living with stage four cancer may be persuaded to try things like apricot kernels. However, they deserve access to reliable, evidence-based information that enables them to make informed choices about their treatment,” Sharron explained.

After completing her extended treatment plan in October 2025, Sharron continues long-term treatment (aromatase inhibitors). Following a meeting with her oncologist in May 2026, it was confirmed she currently has “no measurable evidence of disease” – marking an important milestone in her journey.

Sharron ringing the end of treatment bell with her identical twin sister, Lorraine.

Today, she dedicates herself to raising awareness about the dangers of misinformation and providing expert-led training on understanding cancer in the workplace.

“When you’re diagnosed with cancer, you’re dealing with fear and uncertainty. The last thing you need is misinformation adding to that. That’s why I’m passionate about encouraging people to know where to find trustworthy information and training employers on how to support people affected by cancer, including carers. No-one should have to face cancer and misinformation at the same time,” Sharron added.

Sharron today.

World Cancer Research Fund Head of Information, Isobel Booth, said:

“Unfortunately, Sharron’s story is not unique. Misinformation is seeping into more and more lives every day. This is why we are drawing attention to this important issue during Cancer Prevention Action Week. While we recognise there is valuable information out there, the science is often taken out of context, twisted or manipulated. For anyone affected by cancer who has questions on nutrition or supplements, please contact our Cancer and Nutrition Helpline, which is staffed by specialist oncology dieticians who can help filter through the noise.”

Sharron shares her story as part of World Cancer Research Fund’s Cancer Prevention Action Week campaign, which runs from 15-21 June 2026.