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
Puleeeeease... this 'game changer' weight loss drug causes more nausea and vomiting than a placebo. Some game, some change. My friend Gary would spank you for using the eighth word medical reporters should never, ever use. @garyschwitzer @thackerpd
https://www.healthnewsreview.org/toolkit/just-journalists-writing-tips-case-studies/7-words-and-more-you-shouldnt-use-in-medical-news/ https://twitter.com/OttawaCitizen/status/1361426796126830597
A scary @statnews Op-Ed warns that govt attempts to rein in Pharma may cut off access to "life-changing" drugs.
It takes @garyschwitzer to let us know: the author spent 10 years as Pfizer's public-policy chief. https://twitter.com/garyschwitzer/status/1360325022578053123
.@TranspariMED criticizes STAT op-ed for not disclosing pharma funding of author’s institute - similar to criticism we’ve made of STAT op-eds in the past. @transparify @ThinkTankWatch @icer_review https://www.healthnewsreview.org/2021/02/transparency-watchdog-criticizes-stats-non-disclosure-on-pro-pharma-op-ed/
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