Provide names of other journalists involved.
Debra Sherman
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
6-Jun-11
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
The story looks at some of the new treatments for cancer, but shows that fewer and fewer patients, even insured patients, can afford them. It also looks at the financial hardship the disease can cause, including bankruptcy.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
I used several studies that were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting.
Explain types of human sources used.
I spoke with some of the study authors, doctors, patients, the president of ASCO and the chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society.
Results:
The story was picked up by a number of media outlets and was discussed on several blogs.
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.
There were no corrections.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Read through all the abstracts ahead of a big scientific meeting because sometimes the most interesting ones are not the late breakers or the ones that get the most media attention.