Past Contest Entries

Chasing cheaper cancer drugs

List date(s) this work was published or aired.

1-Apr-12

Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.

The story revealed common concerns over the spiraling cost of modern cancer drugs shared by governments and healthcare professionals in both Western and developing world countries. It explained how the issue had reached a crisis point for some patients, doctors and payers, leading to a need to rethink the way cancer medicines are tested and developed.

Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?

Data came from studying company records on drug pricing and drug development, as well as financial analysts’ forecasts. FOI requests were not required.

Explain types of human sources used.

Sources for the story included cancer researchers, drug company executives, healthcare payers and healthcare campaigners.

Results:

No specific results.

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.

The story was picked up widely by other media around the world. There were no corrections, clarifications or challenges to accuracy.

Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.

I think the story shows the benefit of taking a global view on a major healthcare issue like cancer treatment.

Place:

No Award

Year:

  • 2012

Category:

  • Business (large)

Affiliation:

Reuters

Reporter:

Ben Hirschler

Links: