This segment reports on a study that describes a link between low vitamin D levels and increased risk of breast cancer and poor outcomes. It is a good example of how a study with narrow implications can be used to discuss the limits of current scientific knowledge and treatment recommendations. It’s also an illustration of a reporter resisting the urge to exaggerate the importance of the findings.
The segment does several things well:
The segment has two signficant weaknesses: It uses only one source, the program’s physician/reporter; and it fails to help women understand the size of the underlying risk of breast cancer spreading and killing.
Because the segment does not make specific treatment recommendations, cost is not an issue.
The segment reports that women with lower levels of vitamin D in their blood were 94 percent more likely to have their cancer spread and 73 percent more likely to die.
But it faiils to report the underlying incidence of metastasis or death, making it difficult for viewers to understand true magnitude of the risk.
The segment warns against the possible harms of high doses of vitamin supplements and overexposure to the sun.
The segment is based on a study to be presented at a medical meeting and published in a major journal. It’s a small, observational study that links low blood levels of vitamin D to higher risk and worse outcomes for breast cancer.
The segment is careful not to overstate the implications of the study and does not invite viewers to overrespond to the findings.
The story does not exaggerate the findings of the study or the benefits of treatment.
The segment relies on only one source–the correspondent described as "our doctor."
While she does a good job of explaining that the implications of the study are unclear and the science in the area of vitamin D is controversial, one source isn’t sufficient to provide context and balance.
Because the segment carefully refrains from recommending treatments, it isn’t necessary for it to provide alternative ways of lowering breast cancer risk.
Vitamin D supplements, sunshine and foods with vitamin D are easily available enough that this report does not need to specify.
The segment does not suggest that boosting vitamin D intake with supplements, food or sunshine is novel.
There is no evidence that the segment draws excessively on a press release.
Systematic, Criteria-Driven
Monday at #ADA2021, an infectious disease epidemiologist, a journalist, and a researcher shared perspectives on communication of risk in the era of COVID-19: http://ow.ly/ROfR30rMeE7 @AstleyCM @garyschwitzer @berthahidalgo @ADA_DiabetesPro
Shoutouts to @susan_bewley @drkevinknopf @MichaelBaum11 in this call for more than fawning coverage from press releases for these kinds of stories.
Also, linked history inside goes back 5 years just on Grail apparently trying to become Holy Grail. https://twitter.com/garyschwitzer/status/1408849696416841731
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