The woman died from breast cancer in April this year. (Representative Pic)
A self-proclaimed “tumour research institute” in China is currently under investigation following a shocking revelation by a woman whose mother was deceived into spending a hefty sum of 200,000 yuan (approximately Rs 22.76 lakh) on fraudulent cancer treatments. These treatments included bloodletting and even the application of cement to her skin.
According to South China Morning Post (SCMP), the woman, identified as Wang, discovered her mother’s late-stage breast cancer diagnosis at the end of 2021. Shortly after, they were introduced to a traditional Chinese medicine doctor named Yu in Wuhan, who claimed to specialize in cancer treatment. They visited Yu at his Dongyusanbao Tumour Research Institute, where he presented them with what seemed to be legitimate patent documents and prestigious awards for his cancer treatment.
Wang’s mother, filled with hope, immediately purchased the initial batch of liquid medication from Yu, costing 20,000 yuan (US$2,700). Over the course of a year, Wang and her mother made six trips from their home in northeastern Liaoning province to Wuhan, resulting in a total expenditure exceeding 200,000 yuan.
In addition to the oral medication, Yu allegedly administered numerous injections into the woman’s breasts to induce blood loss. He also instructed her to apply a mixture of cement and lime to her armpits, claiming it would shrink the cancerous lumps. Wang recounted how her mother faithfully followed these bizarre instructions, only for her skin to fester after two months.
“He told my mother to apply cement mixed with lime on the skin under her armpits, saying this could help shrink lumps. My mother followed his instructions, but her skin festered after doing it for two months,” explained Wang.
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In April of this year, Wang’s mother’s condition worsened, and local doctors informed her that the cancer had spread throughout her body. Despite this, Yu assured them it was normal and persuaded the woman to continue consuming his medicine. Tragically, Wang’s mother passed away in June.
According to SCMP, Yu later admitted that he and his institute had no medical qualifications. He clarified that he was not practicing medicine but rather selling health-enhancing products. The bloodletting he conducted was supposed to promote good health and not acupuncture. Yu also confessed that the certificates and documents he showed the women were fake, purchased online for a few thousand yuan. The authorities are currently investigating this bizarre case.
