This story reports on the results of a study that looked at physical activity among colon cancer survivors that found that those who engaged in moderate activity 4 or 5 times a week were 50% less likely to experience cancer recurrence or death over a seven year period. These results are intriguing and of great interest not only to colon cancer survivors. However, by no means is this study conclusive and this story does little to address the uncertainties.
The story provides estimates of benefit in relative terms only. We learn in the story that those who exercised more than six hours a week were 47% less likely to have a cancer occurence or die over the study period. But what does this mean? What are the absolute differences? The story should have provided more context for these numbers.
The story does not mention harms. Although excerise can be safe, is it appropriate to recommend increased physical activity to cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy? Also, although the story does mention that the study was funded by Pfizer, the story does not attempt to quote an independent source who could provide some perspective on the importance of these findings.
The story does describe the design of the study. However, the story should have clearly stated that this was an observational trial and was not randomized. As such, the reader cannot just assume cause and effect.
Costs are also not applicable in this situation.
The story provies estimates of benefit in relative terms only. We learn in the story that those who exercised more than six hours a week were 47% less likely to have a cancer recurrence or die over the study period. But what does this mean? What are the absolute differences? The story should have provided more context for these numbers.
The story does not mention any potential harms of exercise, particluarly in those with cancer. Although it does state “Anyone considering changing or beginning treatment of any kind should consult with a physician,” this is not enough information on harms.
The story does describe the design of the study. However, the story should have clearly stated that this was an observational trial and was not randomized. As such, the reader cannot just assume cause and effect.
By accurately describing the incidence of colon cancer, the story does not engage in disease mongering.
Although the story does mention that the study was funded by Pfizer, the story does not attempt to quote an independent source who could provide some perspective on the importance of these findings.
Treatment alternatives is not applicable in this story because the obvious alternative to exercise is not exercising.
Because this study included exercise of any type, it is not necessary to comment on the availability of treatment.
Novelty of treatment is not applicable in this story.
There is no way to know if the story relied on a press release as the sole source of information.
Systematic, Criteria-Driven
The tale of two “negative” studies. Or, how spin is applied to make research findings look more impressive. A must read. https://johnmandrola.substack.com/p/the-tale-of-two-negative-studies
The @nytimes chose to interview one of the editors of the @AnnalsofIM (publisher of this paper) who "gushed with extraordinary glee: It’s huge! There are very few things that reduce your mortality by 30%."
Turns out coffee is not one of those few things despite all that glee. https://twitter.com/garyschwitzer/status/1533202075928215558
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