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The Food and Drug Administration is alerting consumers not to purchase products on the Internet that fraudulently claim to cure cancer.

The FDA has sent warning letters to 23 U.S. companies, 1 Canadian, and 1 Australian company asking them to stop selling 125 products that claim to cure, treat or prevent cancer.

"Although promotions of bogus cancer 'cures' have always been a problem, the Internet has provided a mechanism for them to flourish," said Margaret O'K. Glavin, the FDA's associate commissioner for regulatory affairs.

"These warning letters are an important step to ensure that consumers do not become the victim of false 'cures' that may cause greater harm to their health."

The products being sold online claiming to cure cancer include ingredients such as bloodroot, shark cartilage, coral calcium, cesium, ellagic acid, Cat's Claw, an herbal tea called Essiac, and mushroom varieties such as Agaricus Blazeii, Shitake, Maitake, and Reishi.

The FDA said the fraudulent claims made by the companies include, "Treats all forms of cancer," "Causes cancer cells to commit suicide!," "Target cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone," "Shrinks malignant tumors," "Avoid painful surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or other conventional treatment."

The FDA is urging consumers to consult their health care provider about discontinuing use of these products and to seek medical attention if they have experienced any adverse effects.

Companies that fail to properly resolve violations cited in the warning letters are subject to seizure of illegal products, injunction, and possible criminal prosecution.

A full list of the companies targeted by the FDA can be found on their Web site.