Back off man, I'm a scientist!

[dionysus1999]

The genesis of an urban myth.

A couple of my friends have posted a link to an alleged "cancer cure". Now, if I was to tell you that you can't believe it because it was published in the "New Scientist", you would be right in accusing me of an Ad Hominem attack. Just because it's published online doesn't mean its not true.

However. If there was a big new cancer cure, do you really think New Scientist would be the one to get the scoop?

Further evidence to consider:

This is a link to a search on snopes.com for articles that reference New Scientist.  They turn up 13 times!   Snopes, for those of you who have recently upgraded from their Timex/Sinclair, is a wonderful website that is dedicated to debunking urban myths.   Turn to this site when you're feeling baffled by bullshit.  It won't steer you wrong, unlike the New Scientist.   

Ever notice that sometimes when people tack on the word "new", it actually means "not"?   

Now, even with all this, I still hope New Scientist got the story right.  It would certainly be great if a low cost drug was the cure to cancer.   I have a feeling your average oncologist would be giggling by now, though.

Comments

[buldan.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure I'm talking about the same thing, but I heard a report on NPR where they were talking about some drug that had been in use for a really long time treating people for some completely unrelated disease. They said that this drug can be used to help treat lung cancer with a statistically significant outcome. Doesn't cure it, but helps. Sounds like someone took that story and went too far with it (as usual). The reason that it's taken so long is the drug is generic, been around forever, no one can make money on it, therefore no real trials. Therefore, no "proof" that it works.

Here is what I'd heard:
http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/news/newsarchive/2007/january/18037424

[dionysus1999.livejournal.com]

I hope it works. I know too many people with cancer right now.

[buldan.livejournal.com]

yeah, me too. :(

[novapsyche.livejournal.com]

The reason that it's taken so long is the drug is generic, been around forever, no one can make money on it, therefore no real trials.

And thus you encapsulate why capitalistic health care will never work for society.

[riffalike.livejournal.com]

University of Alberta DCA site, where they basically (and reasonably) say "wait while we do tests."