In the media
People have always sought information from outside the formal health care system. The internet is now a common place for people to seek out information about health conditions. Often this information will be news reports. While some of these reports are reliable, others can be difficult to understand, conflicting, misleading, or they may leave out important information.
When you read an article in the news, or on social media, is the intention to give you up-to-date information? Or is it designed to get a 'click' on their website? Let's have a look at a real article and apply some critical thinking skills:
[MEDIA STORY]
New Hope in Cancer Treatment: FDA Announces New Aggressive Drug Attacking Originating Genes
The search for a cancer cure goes on, but in the meantime, there is hope for more effective treatments.
For the second time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug that, instead of targeting tumors by location—breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer—attacks cancers according to specific genetic structures, known as biomarkers.
The FDA announced Monday that it had approved Vitrakvi (larotrectinib), a treatment for both adult and pediatric cancer patients.
What's their angle?
This news story reports on a drug Vitrakvi (larotrectinib) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use based on genetic features of tumours, or tumour biomarkers, rather than the location where the tumour originated or is growing. It is the second drug of this nature to be approved.
When reading news stories its a good idea to take a step back and think about the intentions of the publisher:
Harms and side effects are ignored.
No alternative treatment comparison is provided.
Is this the full story?
When reading media articles you need to consider whether the article is representing the research faithfully:
- Does the study involve animals or people? Often studies are undertaken in animals first to get an idea of effects likely to be seen in humans. However, results of animal studies are not always replicated in the clinical trials.
- What is the source? Do they link to the actual study?
- Are the outcomes being misinterpreted or misrepresented? Correlation doesn’t mean causation! (90 brunette's like pineapple on their pizza, does not mean ALL brunettes like pineapple on their pizza).
- What is the sample size? Sample size should be based on study design and purpose. Too small a sample may produce inconclusive results.
What would you have included in the article? How would you have presented the issues?
Activity: Is it a good article?
Lets rate this article's quality using the Steps of Critical Thinking
Are you confident you can't be misled?
- 7 ways to avoid becoming a misinformation superspreader - it's easy to spread information that isn't 100% accurate. Before sharing, evaluate and research the story.
- Know the Science: The Facts About Health News Stories (NIH) - how to evaluate health news stories.
- Deakin Library Misinformation guide – what’s the difference between misinformation, disinformation and malinformation?
Check the facts with these websites:
- RMIT ABC Fact Check Australian news resource
- Media watch Australian media analysis
- AAP FactCheck International news and social media resource