Health Misinformation Threatens Patient Care and Erodes Public Trust

Health misinformation has become a growing public health crisis in Canada, contributing to the country’s recent loss of its measles elimination status as vaccination rates continue to decline. Despite measles being eradicated in Canada more than 25 years ago, ongoing outbreaks now threaten vulnerable populations, particularly children.

Medical experts are increasingly concerned about the spread of false health information online, which they describe as a “deadly virus” in its own right. The problem extends beyond childhood diseases, affecting patients across the healthcare spectrum, including those seeking cancer treatments who may be misled by unproven “miracle cures.”

According to Dr. Kathleen Ross, President of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), the spread of misinformation is exacerbated by existing gaps in Canada’s healthcare system. “When patients don’t have access to reliable and timely care, they search for answers elsewhere, out of necessity,” she explains.

The situation has been complicated by advancing technology. The rise of artificial intelligence makes distinguishing between accurate and false information increasingly difficult for both healthcare providers and patients. Additionally, policy shifts in the United States have weakened its position as a global health authority, creating a vacuum that misinformation readily fills.

For three consecutive years, the CMA has partnered with Abacus Data to monitor this concerning trend through their Health and Media Annual Tracking Survey. The most recent data reveals a troubling escalation: 62% of Canadians report encountering health information that later proved false or misleading, representing an 8% increase from the previous year.

Perhaps more alarming, the survey indicates that 43% of respondents were highly susceptible to believing health misinformation, while another 35% were moderately susceptible. The real-world impact is significant – nearly one in four Canadians (23%) reported experiencing negative health consequences after following online health advice.

Despite these challenges, the survey offers a silver lining: 80% of respondents still identify doctors as their most trusted source of health information. This reservoir of trust provides a foundation for rebuilding a healthier information environment.

The CMA is taking concrete action to combat this crisis through multiple initiatives. Since 2022, the association has funded three dedicated health reporting positions at The Canadian Press/La Presse Canadienne to enhance quality health journalism. They’ve also collaborated with The Canadian Journalism Foundation to establish a multi-year fellowship supporting Indigenous journalists covering health issues affecting First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.

To engage younger Canadians, the CMA launched “Healthcare for Real,” a content project featuring innovative videos and articles that demystify the healthcare system and debunk common misconceptions. This initiative has quickly gained traction, with the CMA’s YouTube channel attracting more than 50,000 subscribers.

The association also operates the CMA Media Network, which amplifies the voices of physicians passionate about social media advocacy and fighting misinformation. Beyond addressing information issues, the CMA continues advocating for structural improvements to Canada’s healthcare system, including investments in team-based primary care and enhanced physician mobility across provinces.

On February 10, the CMA will release its 2026 survey results at an Empire Club of Canada event at Ottawa’s Chateau Laurier. The gathering will feature prominent health leaders including Dr. Tom Frieden, former director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gynecologist and author Dr. Jen Gunter, Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, and Canadian SHIELD Institute Managing Director Vass Bednar.

Dr. Ross emphasizes that combating health misinformation requires a coordinated effort across sectors. “Ensuring access to reliable and evidence-based health information is essential to protect both individual patients and the integrity of our healthcare system,” she notes.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Before its elimination, measles infected tens of thousands of Canadians annually. The goal now is to prevent similar preventable outbreaks by creating a more resilient health information ecosystem – one that protects Canadians from dangerous falsehoods while strengthening the healthcare system itself.