For a look at how two different news organizations covered the news of a potentially more accurate test for prostate cancer, see the HealthNewsReview.org review of a weaker ABC News story in contrast with the review of a stronger Baltimore Sun story.
However, neither story adequately addressed the fact that while a more accurate test may tell who has prostate cancer better, it still does not tell which men need treatment in their lifetime and which men don’t, which is the real problem in prostate cancer screening. So, both stories left readers and viewers with an overly optimistic view of what screening can do.
Opinions on other issues in news, journals, PR, advertising, marketing
Come on, NY Times; you must do better than this. Important research doesn’t need hype and the “breaking news” BS doesn’t help readers or patients. https://www.healthnewsreview.org/2022/03/nyt-proclaims-breaking-news/
Our editorial team was blessed to have Sharon as a contributor during our best years. As this obit states, she was “kind, patient, wise, thoughtful and generous.” Thank you, Sharon; now rest in peace. https://journalism.wisc.edu/news/in-memoriam-sharon-dunwoody-1947-2022/
We’ve written about the hype of liquid biopsies for years (see link in comment below). And now this…. https://www.statnews.com/2022/01/12/medicare-shouldnt-cover-liquid-biopsies-early-cancer-detection/
Comments
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Mike
May 7, 2007 at 10:31 amYeah, the same way mammograms have been sold as the “perfect” test for breast cancer. The media needs to print stories like this to fill space, not educate anyone.
Its this ongoing belief that the “public deserves to know” before consensus can be reached and years of study can prove things. They’re not told that one study proves nothing.
Cancer Breakthroughs
May 15, 2007 at 3:36 pmI totally agree. And not only is it a story to fill space but the test itself just a way to make more money…
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