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The media color their reports
on breast cancer prevention strategies differently depending on whether
the subject is screening or drugs.
Based on a review of media
coverage of recent controversies about breast cancer prevention, investigators
found that the media often abandons its objective tone when covering mammograms.
More specifically, the researchers
found that while many news stories scrutinized the benefits and risks
of the breast cancer drug tamoxifen, they appeared to encourage women
to schedule mammograms, downplaying recent uncertainties over the ability
of screening to reduce breast cancer deaths.
The differential attitude of
the media towards different breast cancer interventions can have a strong
effect. Indeed, surveys show that 96%
of women say they believe women should all receive
mammograms before the age of 50, despite the ongoing
debate within the medical community over the use of screening in younger
groups.
The media has a significant
influence on the public's -- and many physicians' -- ideas/expectations
about the potential benefits and harms of medical interventions.
JAMA
June 19, 2002;287:3136-3142
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