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. Articl es from scientific journals and stories from newspapers and magazines published from January 1, 1985, to July 1, 1992, were retrieved from s ix on-line databases, Lay press stories were analyzed to determine whi ch medical articles were publicized and what information was reported. Results. Fifty-eight scientific articles on the relationship of alcoh ol and breast cancer were found, and 64 newspaper and 23 magazine stor ies were retrieved. The press cited 11 studies, 19% of those published during the study period. Three studies were featured in 77% popular p ress stories. No scientific review articles were reported. Behavioral recommendations were:given to the public in 63% of stories. Conclusion s. The vast majority of scientific studies on alcohol-and breast cance r were ignored In press reports. We encourage researchers and the popu lar press to give the public a broader understanding of public health issues.