Gee Whiz Science Writing

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Kunzig
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Black Holes ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Power Structure ◽  
Direct Consequence ◽  
Science Writing ◽  
The Real ◽  
Contract Negotiations ◽  
Investigative Reporting ◽  
Science Writer

A couple of years ago I learned something: I learned that black holes spin. And as they spin, they drag the fabric of space-time around with them, whirling it like a tornado. “Where have you been?” you ask. “That's a direct consequence of general relativity! Lense and Thirring predicted that more than 80 years ago.” It had escaped my notice. It made my day when I (sort of) understood it. I wanted to tell someone—and by a wonderful stroke of luck, I'm paid to do just that. Days like that are why I'm a science writer—a “gee whiz” science writer, if you like. A lot of my peers these days consider the gee whiz approach outdated, naive, even a little lap-doggish; investigative reporting is in. “Isn't the real story the process of how science and medicine work?” Shannon Brownlee said recently, upon receiving a well-deserved prize for her critical reporting on medicine. “I'm talking about the power structure. I'm talking about influence. I'm talking about money.” I'm not much interested in those things. I agree they're often important—more important, no doubt, in breast cancer than in black hole research, more important the more applied and less basic the research gets. One of the real stories about medical research may well be how it is sometimes corrupted by conflicts of interest. Power, influence, and money are constants in human affairs, like sex and violence; and sometimes a science writer is forced to write about them, just as a baseball writer may be forced with heavy heart to write about contract negotiations or a doping scandal. Yet just as the “real story” about baseball remains the game itself, the “real story” about science, to me, is what makes it different from other human affairs, not the same. I'm talking about ideas. I'm talking about experiments. I'm talking about truth, and beauty, too. Most of all, I'm talking about the little nuggets of joy and delight that draw all of us, scientists and science writers alike, to this business, when with our outsized IQs we could be somewhere else pursuing larger slices of power, influence, and money.

scholarly journals The experiences of women with breast cancer who undergo fertility preservation

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Dahhan ◽  
F van der Veen ◽  
A M E Bos ◽  
M Goddijn ◽  
E A F Dancet
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Fertility Preservation ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Psychosocial Care ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Experiences Of Women

Abstract STUDY QUESTION How do women, who have just been diagnosed with breast cancer, experience oocyte or embryo banking? SUMMARY ANSWER Fertility preservation was a challenging yet welcome way to take action when confronted with breast cancer. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Fertility preservation for women with breast cancer is a way to safeguard future chances of having children. Women who have just been diagnosed with breast cancer report stress, as do women who have to undergo IVF treatment. How women experience the collision of these two stressfull events, has not yet been studied. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We performed a multicenter qualitative study with a phenomenological approach including 21 women between March and July 2014. Women were recruited from two university-based fertility clinics. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women with breast cancer who banked oocytes or embryos 1–15 months before study participation were eligible. We conducted in-depth, face-to-face interviews with 21 women, which was sufficient to reach data saturation. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The 21 women interviewed had a mean age of 32 years. Analysis of the 21 interviews revealed three main experiences: the burden of fertility preservation, the new identity of a fertility patient and coping with breast cancer through fertility preservation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Interviewing women after, rather than during, fertility preservation might have induced recall bias. Translation of quotes was not carried out by a certified translator. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The insights gained from this study of the experiences of women undergoing fertility preservation while being newly diagnosed with breast cancer could be used as a starting point for adapting the routine psychosocial care provided by fertility clinic staff. Future studies are necessary to investigate whether adapting routine psychosocial care improves women’s wellbeing. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) None of the authors in this study declare potential conflicts of interest. The study was funded by the Center of Reproductive Medicine of the Academic Medical Center.

scholarly journals Real-world effectiveness of post-trastuzumab emtansine treatment in patients with HER2-positive, unresectable and/or metastatic breast cancer: a retrospective observational study (KBCSG-TR 1917)

BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takahiro Nakayama ◽  
Tetsuhiro Yoshinami ◽  
Hiroyuki Yasojima ◽  
Nobuyoshi Kittaka ◽  
Masato Takahashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Metastatic Breast Cancer ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Real World ◽  
Metastatic Breast ◽  
Trastuzumab Emtansine ◽  
Her2 Positive ◽  
The Real ◽  
Her2 Positive Breast Cancer ◽  
Positive Breast Cancer

Abstract Background Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) is a second-line standard therapy for patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer. Evidence regarding post–T-DM1 treatments is currently lacking. We evaluated the effectiveness of post–T-DM1 drug therapy in patients with HER2-positive, unresectable and/or metastatic breast cancer. Methods In this multicenter, retrospective, observational study, real-world clinical data of female patients with HER2-positive breast cancer who had a history of T-DM1 treatment were consecutively collected from five sites in Japan. We investigated the effectiveness of post–T-DM1 therapy by evaluating the real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS), time to treatment failure (TTF), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), and clinical benefit rate (CBR). Tumor response was assessed by investigators according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST version 1.1) guidelines. Subgroup and exploratory analyses according to background factors were also undertaken. Results Of the 205 patients who received T-DM1 treatment between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018, 128 were included in this study. Among the 128 patients analyzed, 105 (82%) patients received anti-HER2 therapy and 23 (18%) patients received regimens without anti-HER2 therapy. Median (95% confidence interval [CI]) rwPFS, TTF, and OS were 5.7 (4.8–6.9) months, 5.6 (4.6–6.4) months, and 22.8 (18.2–32.4) months, respectively. CBR and ORR (95% CI) were 48% (38.8–56.7) and 23% (15.1–31.4), respectively. Cox-regression analysis showed that an ECOG PS score of 0, a HER2 immunohistochemistry score of 3+, recurrent type, ≥12 month duration of T-DM1 therapy, and anti-HER2 therapy were independent variables for rwPFS. An exploratory subgroup analysis of regimens after T-DM1 showed that those with anti-HER2 therapy had a median rwPFS of 6.3 and those without anti-HER2 therapy had a median rwPFS of 4.8 months. Conclusions In the real-world setting in Japan, several post–T-DM1 regimens for patients with unresectable and/or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer, including continuation of anti-HER2 therapy, showed some effectiveness; however, this effectiveness was insufficient. Novel therapeutic options are still needed for further improvement of PFS and OS in later treatment settings. Trial registration UMIN000038296; registered on 15 October 2019.

Universities

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Earle Holland
Keyword(s):  
Department Chair ◽  
Public Information ◽  
Science Writing ◽  
State University ◽  
The Public ◽  
Science Writer ◽  
Public Information Officers ◽  
The One ◽  
University Science

Science writing at a university has to be one of the world's great jobs. If the institution is serious about its research, you're a kid in a candy store. In my case, at Ohio State University, with more than 3,500 faculty, the question is what to write about first—not where to look for stories. Big universities are that way, but the same rules apply for smaller places that are intent on doing great research. Let's begin with the basics. While public information officers at universities face a buffet of varying tasks—from covering boards of trustees' meetings to athletic scandals to student riots—the role of the science PIO is more focused: Concentrate on university research; explain what is new and why it is important to the public. Stated that way, the job seems simple, but science writers at a university may have to jump from astronomy to immunology to psychology to anthropology all in the same week. That represents a lot of intellectual gear shifting; but remember, the rules about reporting on research generally stay the same from field to field. What is the news? Why is it important? What is the context for the research? That is, what are the questions that drive it? Why should the readers care? And last, do the findings point us somewhere new? The only things that change from story to story are the researchers' language and the culture specific to their fields. Nearly every time I give a talk on university science writing—and there have been dozens—someone asks the classic question: How do you find your stories? The glib answer is “Everywhere;” but in truth, that's pretty accurate. Some people envision situations where top researchers have a “eureka” moment and then immediately get on the phone to the campus science writer to get the word out. Or perhaps the researcher's department chair or dean, ever attuned to their colleagues' work, is the one to pass along such news. I wish that were so; but sadly, it's more likely that researcher, department chair, or dean will never think about calling a writer until long after everything else is done.

scholarly journals National Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Program in Haiti

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 20s-20s
Author(s):  
Estefania Santamaria ◽  
Jean Ronald Cornely ◽  
Georges Dubuche ◽  
Vincent DeGennaro
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Practical Training ◽  
Breast Cancer Chemotherapy ◽  
Low Income Country ◽  
National Breast ◽  
Treatment Plans

Abstract 19 Background: Project Medishare launched a breast cancer program in Port-au-Prince in 2013 at the request of local partners. In 2015, the program was expanded as part of a national breast cancer treatment program with Equal Health International. With the mission of strengthening Haiti’s Ministry of Health (MSPP) cancer care infrastructure, the program seeks to decentralize cancer care for women living up to eight hours driving distance from Port-au-Prince by building hospital capacity for cancer screening, diagnosis, chemotherapy and hormone therapy provision at outlying hospitals. Methods: In 2013, two physicians and three nurses were trained to handle, mix and administer chemotherapy by American nurses and doctors. To expand the national program in January 2015, 20 additional physicians and 32 nurses from all ten geographic regions underwent a three-day training in Port-au-Prince on treatment algorithms and practical training for breast cancer. As patients came in for treatment at the local institutions, Project Medishare nurses were on site to supervise mixing and administration of chemotherapy. Physicians continued their practical training via telemedicine to confirm treatment plans and dosage calculations. Results: By September 2015, onsite practical training and chemotherapy had occurred at the primary public hospitals in Gonaives, Jacmel, and Les Cayes. One physician and three nurses were fully trained at each site and seven patients with breast cancer have been treated thus far at the new sites. Future efforts will focus on quality improvement and continuing onsite training at the other hospitals as well as encouraging more doctors and patients to utilize regional programs instead of coming to the capital for treatment. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first regularly-operating multi-site chemotherapy program in a low-income country. Our experiences may inform others to expand already established protocol-based cancer programs in low-resource settings. Next steps include working with MSPP to expand chemotherapy access to Cap-Haitien and to launch breast reconstruction programs through similar trainings in Port-au-Prince. AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: No COIs from the authors.

scholarly journals Impact of a Targeted Free Mammography Screening Program for Underprivileged Women in Malaysia

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 3) ◽  
pp. 28s-28s
Author(s):  
Viji Nair ◽  
Viji Dina Nazri ◽  
Angela Lau ◽  
Rozita Hashim ◽  
Clare Ratnasingham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Nongovernmental Organizations ◽  
Mammography Screening ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Disease Stage ◽  
Cancer Society ◽  
Insurance Carrier ◽  
Late Stages ◽  
Malaysian Women

Purpose Breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among Malaysians today. Almost two thirds of patients are diagnosed in the late stages of disease, stage III to IV, with poorer outcomes. In addition, evidence has also revealed that most of patients who present in these late stages are those from poorer socioeconomic backgrounds. Women from underprivileged backgrounds have been found to have poorer health-seeking behavior, especially in terms of screening for cancer. This is for a number of reasons, such as affordability, distance to health centers, and other socioeconomic factors, which have a large impact, as Malaysia only offers opportunistic screening for breast cancer and not for free. A specific program to provide free mammography screening targeted toward underprivileged Malaysian women was planned and implemented with the aim of improving access to screening and increasing the rate of screening among this specific group of women. Methods Funding for the program was obtained from successful negotiation with a large Malaysian life insurance carrier. To ensure geographic equity, screening services were strategically purchased from 15 hospitals that were spread out across Malaysia. We also built partnerships with various nongovernmental organizations working in the social arena servicing underprivileged groups to reach these groups specifically. The nongovernmental organizations co-organized awareness programs and screening days, together with the National Cancer Society Malaysia, with additional incentivization that included subsidizing transport to mammography centers. Results A total of 5,000 underprivileged women from different geographic localities and ethnicities were screened across Malaysia. Of these, 62% received a mammogram for the first time in their lives, whereas 21% received their first repeat mammogram in more than 3 years. Conclusion A targeted screening program that incorporated a multipronged approach strategy was successful at increasing access to breast cancer screening for underprivileged Malaysian women. AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The following represents disclosure information provided by authors of this manuscript. All relationships are considered compensated. Relationships are self-held unless noted. I = Immediate Family Member, Inst = My Institution. Relationships may not relate to the subject matter of this manuscript. For more information about ASCO's conflict of interest policy, please refer to www.asco.org/rwc or ascopubs.org/jco/site/ifc . Murallitharan Munisamy Employment: National Cancer Society of Malaysia Stock or Other Ownership: MMPKV Sdn Bhd–operator of Malaysian Primary Care Clinics

scholarly journals Breast Cancer Patient Navigation Program in a Resource-Constrained Health Care Setting in Asia

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6s-6s ◽  
Author(s):  
Maheswari Jaganathan ◽  
Dhiauddin Hai ◽  
Nur Hidayati Zainal ◽  
Nadia Rajaram ◽  
Mohamed Yusof ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Patient Navigation ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Breast Cancer Incidence ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Late Presentation ◽  
Resource Constrained ◽  
Patient Tracking ◽  
Navigation Program ◽  
The Impact

Abstract 23 Background: Breast cancer incidence is rapidly increasing in Asia as a result of changes in life expectancy and lifestyle factors. In Malaysia, incidence is expected to double in the next decade and survival is poor (50% to 75%) because of late presentation and poor adherence to treatment. This burden is greater for women in underserved communities, but few studies have examined systematic approaches to reduce late presentation and poor treatment adherence. We sought to determine whether a patient navigation program (PNP) could be a community-based solution to improve outcomes of patients with breast cancer, particularly in a resource-constrained setting. Methods: PNP was implemented in a secondary hospital that serves a suburban area near Kuala Lumpur. A decision aid, which incorporated local key messages, was developed. Nurses and community workers in the program received skills training in navigation, communications, patient management, and resource identification and utilization. Data were retrieved from baseline questionnaires and a patient tracking system and was analyzed by using descriptive statistics. Results: In the first year of the program, 225 women were served, of whom 137 were patients with breast cancer. Compared with the prior year, more patients in the PNP received diagnoses within 14 days of their first visit (67.7% v 62.4%; P = .516) and had surgery within 28 days from diagnosis (68.4% v 61.3%; P = .487). There were also fewer reported patients who experienced default in the PNP (4.4% v 6.6%; P = .797). Conclusion: This 1-year evaluation showed that patient navigation is feasible in a resource-constrained setting, but longer follow-up is required to determine the impact on outcomes. Moving forward, we seek to increase the efficiency of patient navigation by increasing access to palliative care and improving interdepartment coordination and patient tracking systems. AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST Maheswari Jaganathan No relationship to disclose Dhiauddin Hai No relationship to disclose Nur Hidayati Zainal No relationship to disclose Nadia Rajaram No relationship to disclose Mohamed Yusof No relationship to disclose Soo-Hwang Teo Honoraria: AstraZeneca Consulting or Advisory Role: AstraZeneca Speakers' Bureau: AstraZeneca Research Funding: AstraZeneca Travel, Accommodations, Expenses: AstraZeneca

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