The association between alcohol and breast cancer: popular press coverage of research

Objectives. This study was undertaken to examine popular press reports of the association between alcohol and breast cancer. Methods. Articles from scientific journals and stories from newspapers and magazines published from January 1, 1985, to July 1, 1992, were retrieved from six on-line databases. Lay press stories were analyzed to determine which medical articles were publicized and what information was reported. Results. Fifty-eight scientific articles on the relationship of alcohol and breast cancer were found, and 64 newspaper and 23 magazine stories were retrieved. The press cited 11 studies, 19% of those published during the study period. Three studies were featured in 77% of popular press stories. No scientific review articles were reported. Behavioral recommendations were given to the public in 63% of stories. Conclusions. The vast majority of scientific studies on alcohol and breast cancer were ignored in press reports. We encourage researchers and the popular press to give the public a broader understanding of public health issues. (Am J Public Health. 1995; 85:1082-1086)
Newspapers and magazines may present skewed versions of medical research. All popular press articles from January 1985 to July 1992 on the connection between alcohol consumption and breast cancer were retrieved and abstracted. All scientific reports during the same period were treated similarly. Fifty-eight scientific reports and 87 popular articles on this topic were published during this time. Three scientific reports were featured in 77% of the popular articles. Forty-seven (81%) scientific reports were never cited by the press. All of the articles published in the popular literature were taken from only 7 of the 29 scientific journals reviewed. Popular articles variously recommended drinking less, drinking less if at high risk, drinking moderately, no change, or weighing risks and benefits. Selective reporting of single studies and contradictory advice only serves to confuse and alienate the public.