This article presented the findings from two studies indicating that statin medications used to manage cholesterol levels did not prevent development of breast, prostate, lung or colorectal cancer or death from these cancers. Overall, a balanced story.
Did not mention cost of treatment
Mentioned lack of
benefit from statins for this purpose; also provided some details of side effects of statins
Provided a walk through the various types of clinical evidence.
In addition to
quoting study authors, a quote from an editorial in the journal in which one of the articles was published was provided.
Did not mention other options for
reducing cancer risks.
Mentioned that statins are widely used and considered safe. Mentioned that use as cancer
preventative would be an off-label use (i.e. drugs not approved for this purpose)
Examined a new use for a
class of medications (statins).
Systematic, Criteria-Driven
Following a shift in journalism’s business model, a diverse ecosystem of publications, many covering science, has sprung up online. This has made it more difficult to sort out what qualifies as journalism, what doesn’t, and whether the public even cares.
https://t.co/qO2a27FiSe
Researchers and journalists do the public a grave disservice when they spin health study results to make them appear safer or more effective than warranted, says @HealthNewsRevu founder @garyschwitzer https://t.co/QIKsRbP6Ed
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