…is analysed here. (free link) There is also a piece about Breastlight at Pulse (free with free registration.) and here’s the link to today’s ASA page where PWB health, who make Breastlight,feature. feature. Their website doesn’t say ‘detects cancer early’ anymore. But I’m still not happy.
Continue Reading →What does “for earlier detection” mean?
It’s used here, on Breastlight’s home page. If you search for them on Google, it comes up; “Breastlight TM; breast exam, breast checking, breast screening..” I’d like to know what kinds of things come to mind when we are told this device is for ‘earlier detection’. ( I know what I think, but […]
Continue Reading →The Advertising Standards Authority – fit for purpose?
I’ve just had a complaint responded to. The company concerned will now apparently withdraw their non evidenced based claim that their product “helps detect cancer early”. This claim has been made for some time, it’s nonsense, and it’s right that it goes. But: the letter from the ASA says that since the company will voluntarily amend their […]
Continue Reading →Myrios and their adverts on the tube
Myrios are running adverts on the London tube. This company offers blood testing for various conditions. I am troubled by the evidence and practice of their testing. “We always advise you visit your local pharmacist who will be able to recommend the right test based on your health concerns.” They also say, in their […]
Continue Reading →NEJM Alzheimers study: all it seems?
The study published yesterday has made the headlines across the media; ” The study they funded, led by Professor Robert Howard from the Institute of Psychiatry at Kings College London, and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, has concluded that the drugs carry on working in people whose illness has become severe. “For the first time, […]
Continue Reading →Why I’m not a businessman
In reply to Dirk Vinegar on the Guardian, who says “It is often forgotten that GPs are not salaried NHS clones, but independent business people, most of whom happen to be contracted to the NHS for the main source of their income.” This is important to get right, because the Health Bill will make it […]
Continue Reading →Weekend death rates; confusion and hype
The Today programme have said that there is ” fresh evidence that people who are admitted to hospitals in England at weekends face a significantly increased risk of death.” 4 days ago, the Telegraph reported that Andrew Lansley had decided to fund hospitals to work 24/7 with no weekend change to staffing, and the report cites […]
Continue Reading →It ain’t over till it’s over
I’m feeling rather inspired by Clive Peedall and his plea that the Royal Colleges should come together in opposition of the Health Bill. There is good reason to think that the Colleges are now in discussion as to what to do. There is also good reason to think that this can be influenced. The BMA, the […]
Continue Reading →Read your medical records
Essentially, having access to your own medical records is a good thing. The government have made it clear that this is now a priority and intend to work to make online access for patients so that patients can freely access their own notes. However: I think as it stands it’s unlikely to be very helpful. […]
Continue Reading →Public health and Freud Communications
It is with a heavy heart that I note the Department of Health are not paying attention to the evidence. They have press released their new contract with Freud Communications, who apparently have “delivered a really exciting pitch. They have some big ideas that we believe will not only promote good health but will really change people’s […]
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