Healthy Skepticism Library item: 12182

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Publication type: Journal Article

Breast-cancer awareness: too much of a good thing?
Lancet Oncol 2007 Dec; 8:(12):1041
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470204507703479/fulltext

Abstract:

This month, The Lancet Oncology is devoted largely to breast cancer to coincide with the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (TX, USA; Dec 13–16, 2007). Breast cancer attracts a large amount of attention-more than might be expected on the basis of incidence and clinical challenge. From the amount of media coverage, a layperson could easily believe breast cancer is the most prolific and most deadly of all cancers, but how has this trend come about? Of the many answers, which include
diff erences in patient demographics or comparative ease of research, one possible answer centres on the many awareness campaigns that have increased the public’s perception of breast cancer. These campaigns have improved care for many patients by enabling better prevention, screening, knowledge and under standing of treatment options, research funding, and political will, but have also increased many undesirable consequences…
Current levels of awareness about breast cancer have

Keywords:
PMID: 18054867 [PubMed - in process]

Notes:

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