Competition Bureau Takes Action Against Unproven Cancer Treatment Sold Online

Consumers to get full refunds

OTTAWA, February 19, 2009 — An Edmonton-based company and its director have agreed to stop making unsubstantiated claims regarding products used to treat or prevent cancer, to offer full refunds to customers, and to post a corrective notice on company Web sites.

Bioenergy Wellness Inc., carrying on business as Energyworks Wellness Centre, and its Director, Alan Gordon, have committed to the terms mentioned above as part of a consent agreement resulting from a Competition Bureau investigation into unproven claims that the products cure cancer.

These claims were found on the Web sites: www.papimi.biz and www.magnapulse.ca, where the company advertised the sale and promotion of the Papimi, Magnapulse, and Far Infrared Sauna treatment devices, as well as cancer treatment/prevention sessions at the Enerygyworks Wellness Centre in Edmonton. The Bureau concluded that Enerygyworks Wellness Centre’s cancer-related performance claims were not based on adequate and proper tests, as required by the provisions of the Competition Act that prohibit deceptive marketing practices.

"Cancer is a serious illness and companies should not expose consumers to unproven claims that can cheat them of time, money, and potentially, their health," said Andrea Rosen, Deputy Commissioner of Competition. "Consumers should always be wary of such unproven ‘cures’ and speak to a health-care professional before trying any new product or treatment."

This action was taken as part of the Bureau’s education and enforcement initiative, Project False Hope, which targets cancer-related health fraud online. In collaboration with domestic and international partners, such as Health Canada, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Bureau has successfully taken action against almost 100 Canadian-operated sites. The vast majority complied with the Bureau’s demands to modify, remove or substantiate cancer-related claims made to promote products or treatments.

Consumers who purchased devices or received treatment from the Enerygyworks Wellness Centre can contact 1-780-486-2888 for refund details.

The Competition Bureau is an independent agency that contributes to the prosperity of Canadians by protecting and promoting competitive markets and enabling informed consumer choice.

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