List date(s) this work was published or aired.
March, 2011
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
This story examined the use of proton beam radiation as a treatment for prostate cancer. As arguably the most expensive medical device ever made, this machine raises the question of how to determine the most appropriate use of new medical technology.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Story was reported through interviews and a review of medical journals on the effectiveness of proton beam treatment for prostate cancer.
Explain types of human sources used.
Radiation oncology specialists, health policy experts, and one patient source
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
When writing about new medical technology, consider its impact on many levels: medical practice, cost and even the psychological mindset of doctors and patients. Whether one treatment is superior to another is often a matter of debate.