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

F Houn, M A Bober, E E Huerta, S D Hursting, S Lemon and D L Weed

National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Md 20892, USA.

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.