Statins and Dementia
(4 stars)
This story responsibly conveyed the key findings and provided a clear take-home message to viewers. But it should have mentioned absolute risks, side effects and costs.
Cancer drug dramatically shrinks prostate tumors, study finds
(3 stars)
This story reports on studies of a drug for aggressive prostate cancer. It overstates the importance of early research, garbles the findings, and exaggerates the benefits.
Women taking antidepressants may see some sexual benefit from Viagra
(4 stars)
In the space of less than 600 words, this story meets most of the criteria for a well constructed and objective report.
Youthful fling with ‘Tommy John’ surgery
(2 stars)
Until there is evidence of high surgery rates from more clinics and solid evidence that these operations are caused by over-training, this article could be raising unfounded alarm.
Schering-Plough, Merck cholesterol drug misses goal of reducing heart valve risks in study
(2 stars)
Vytorin is hot news. But patients, let alone stock market speculators, would be better served by a more informative analysis than that provided in this business-oriented story.
Study fuels low-fat vs. low-carb debate
(5 stars)
This article summarizes a recent research study comparing the long-term effects of three popular diets. It was accurate, balanced, reliable, and well written.
Monitoring Hormone May Improve Kidney Failure Outcomes
Screening could work best for early-stage patients who don’t yet need dialysis, study says.
Source: HealthDay
One-Fifth of British Childhood Cancer Survivors Smoke
Study finds despite hazards, many put themselves at increased risk for second malignancies.
Source: HealthDay