In an evident reminder of the dangers of relying blindly on artificial intelligence for medical advice, a 37-year-old man in the UK was diagnosed with late-stage cancer after initially being reassured by an AI chatbot that his symptoms were “highly unlikely” to be serious.
Warren Tierney sought help for a persistent sore throat that left him unable to swallow fluids. Turning to ChatGPT, he was told it was “highly unlikely” to be cancer, with the chatbot even joking, “If it’s wrong, you get to roast me. Deal?” Trusting the AI response, Tierney delayed seeking urgent medical care. He was later diagnosed with stage-four adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus, a condition with an average five-year survival rate of just 5–10%.
The case highlights how deeply AI has permeated daily life, with people increasingly turning to it for guidance on everything from work to relationships—and even health. Experts warn that while AI can be a useful tool for general information, it is not a substitute for professional medical expertise.
Healthcare specialists stress that symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or persistent pain should always be evaluated by trained doctors. Relying on AI, they caution, may not only mislead but could also cost precious time in life-threatening conditions.
