Houston, TX — June 20, 2025 — As artificial intelligence (AI) tools become increasingly popular for quick medical answers, leading oncologists are urging caution: AI is not yet reliable enough to guide cancer care decisions, and patients should continue to seek expert advice.
A recent survey conducted by CMedEd, a nonprofit cancer education platform developed with input from over 100 oncologists at the nation’s top cancer centers, found near unanimous agreement among cancer specialists: patients should not rely on AI alone for cancer guidance.
“AI might be 80% accurate, but patients don’t know which 20% is wrong”
— Abe Mendelsohn, MD, FACS, Laryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Los Angeles Center for Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy
“Currently, I would not recommend AI tools as a trusted resource for cancer diagnosis. While they can be helpful, they’re not fully developed and can contain errors.”
— Bilal A. Siddiqui, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center
“While I recognize the potential of AI across various sectors, I have concerns about its use in delivering information to cancer patients. My main worries center on the accuracy and the level of personalization that AI can provide in such delicate situations. AI is accurate about 80–90%.”
— Naoto T. Ueno, MD, PhD, FACP, Director and Professor of Medicine, University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center
While oncologists acknowledge that AI is increasingly valuable in clinical settings—such as analyzing X-rays or CT scans to detect blood clots or fractures—AI tools designed for direct patient interaction, especially those offering medical advice or cancer diagnoses, remain prone to errors and lack the nuanced judgment of human experts. Recent studies have highlighted risks including misdiagnosis, lack of transparency, and potential biases in AI recommendations.
“AI in medicine holds great promise, but current systems can make mistakes, lack transparency, and may not account for individual patient differences,” said Phyllis Pittman, founder of CMedEd.
After losing her father to cancer and struggling to find clear, trustworthy information, Pittman launched CMedEd to provide patients with expert-backed, plain-language guidance—free from ads or confusing jargon.
“People searching for cancer answers often feel vulnerable and overwhelmed. That’s when they’re most at risk from misinformation—whether from AI or unreliable online forums,” Pittman said. “CMedEd was built to be a place patients could trust.”
CMedEd offers easy-to-understand guidance on more than 120 cancer types, supported by over 2,000 original medical illustrations and content contributed by leading cancer doctors. The platform is entirely free and unaffiliated with advertisers or pharmaceutical companies.
As AI continues to evolve, patients need accurate, compassionate guidance rooted in medical expertise. For now, oncologists agree nothing replaces the insight and care of a qualified cancer specialist.
To request interviews with CMedEd founder Phyllis Pittman, contact Brian Franklin at 703-201-3875.
CMedEd is dedicated to empowering cancer patients, families, and caregivers with clear, compassionate information and support. Founded by Phyllis Pittman after her own experience navigating a loved one’s diagnosis, CMedEd simplifies complex medical topics and offers guidance at every stage of the cancer journey. All resources are grounded in up-to-date research, reviewed by top cancer specialists, and free from jargon or advertising. With a focus on clarity, empathy, and accuracy, CMedEd ensures that no one faces cancer alone, providing the knowledge and reassurance needed to make informed decisions and feel supported throughout treatment. To learn more please visit cmeded.com.
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