Man Spends $63,000 on Fake Cancer Cure, Loses Half of His Face
A shocking case has come to light in China, where a 38-year-old man, identified as Mr. Zhang, was diagnosed with oral cancer in September 2024. Despite the diagnosis, Mr. Zhang was convinced by a self-proclaimed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, who was also a 16-year friend, to abandon conventional treatment and instead opt for expensive traditional Chinese medicine. The practitioner, Zhang Certain, claimed to be a descendant of the famous Chinese medicine practitioner Li Shizhen and boasted of having successfully treated cancer patients in the past. He assured Mr. Zhang that traditional Chinese medicine could cure cancer without leaving scars.
28 February 2025
Mr. Zhang spent a staggering 435,000 yuan (approximately $63,000 USD) on the traditional Chinese medicines, which included expensive and supposedly rare ingredients like pangolin scales, a protected species in China. However, the medicines had no effect on his condition, and the delay in seeking proper medical treatment led to a significant worsening of his condition, resulting in half of his face being damaged. Currently, Mr. Zhang is undergoing chemotherapy at a hospital in Xi'an, but his condition remains grim, and he is forced to rely on liquid food for sustenance.
The investigation into this case has revealed a trail of deceit and negligence, with Zhang Certain prioritizing his own financial gain over the well-being of his patient. Zhang Certain's method of convincing Mr. Zhang involved exploiting their 16-year friendship and fabricating claims about the effectiveness of his treatments. Chat records between Mr. Zhang and Zhang Certain show that the latter instructed the former to continue taking the medication, promising that it would eventually expel the "impurities" from his body. Zhang Certain also asked for the results of Mr. Zhang's medical checks and offered to help find specialists to treat him, but only if he was paid a "gift" fee.
In contrast, a 56-year-old man, identified as Mr. Zhao, who was also diagnosed with oral cancer, underwent a successful "face transplant" surgery at a hospital in Qingdao. The surgery, which involved removing the tumor and replacing it with a skin graft from the patient's leg, was a complex and high-risk procedure. However, thanks to the expertise of the medical team, the surgery was successful, and Mr. Zhao is now on the road to recovery. This case highlights the importance of seeking proper medical treatment and the dangers of relying on unproven and expensive alternative therapies.
The authorities are now investigating Zhang Certain's activities, and it has been found that he does not have a medical license. He has registered companies that offer "health consultations," but in reality, he has been practicing medicine illegally. The police have seized a large quantity of medication from his "Chosen Middle Academy," and Zhang Certain has been found to have no qualifications to practice medicine. He has offered to refund Mr. Zhang's money but has not taken responsibility for the harm caused.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of seeking proper medical treatment and the dangers of relying on unproven and expensive alternative therapies. While traditional Chinese medicine can be a valuable complementary therapy, it should not be used as a replacement for evidence-based medical treatment. The need for stricter regulations on the sale of traditional Chinese medicine and the importance of protecting consumers from fraudulent practices cannot be overstated. The police are likely to investigate any illegal sales of harmful substances and fraudulent medical practices, and authorities may look into regulating or cracking down on the sale of betel nuts and investigating individuals who claim to sell medical cures without proper licensure.
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