Breast cancer


ACCC investigation into breast imaging sparks debate

Early in January, the ACCC launched legal proceedings against two commercial breast imaging operators, alleging that the operators engaged in “false and misleading conduct”, writes Rebecca Johnson, a policy adviser at the Cancer Council Western Australia.

Concerns raised over alternative breast cancer screening devices

Safety concerns have been raised about the increasing use of breast imaging devices for breast cancer screening that are not part of the mammography screening program, writes Loretta Marron.

McGrath Foundation should break their ties with Blackmores

Cancer sufferers desperately need all the support they can get, writes Loretta Marron, but the link between the McGrath Foundation and Blackmores is questionable.

The long road to balance in the breast screening debate

Many women’s support and information groups are still encouraging women to disbelieve good evidence of over-diagnosis and over-treatment for breast cancer prevention, writes Hazel Thornton.

Wankley Awards: Deceptive pink bits

This week we’re giving the Wankley to products that pinkefy themselves with all sorts of glowing promises about their commitment to breast cancer research. Too bad the donations cost less than the feel good advertising it brings them.

How breast cancer can disappear when left alone

With October being the pink-washed month for breast cancer, comes news that some breast and prostate cancers vanish without medical treatment in a medical anomaly. Early detection has meant treatment is occurring on tumours that may disappear naturally.

Crikey Competition: Pink ribbon pink-washing

Today is Pink Ribbon Day, and Crikey is on the look-out for the most egregious and shamless examples brands engaging in a spot of “pink washing”. Join us!

Are breast cancer ads getting too tit-illating?

Ads for breast cancer awareness and fundraising have become pretty provocative in recent years. Are these sexy campaigns necessary to grab our cynical attention, or undermining the whole cause?

The Elephant in the room…

… and the Breast Mouse

The baffling increase in mastectomies

Mastectomy rates seem to be on the rise — not because of doctors, but because of women themselves. And they tend to be young and well-educated. What’s going on? asks Amanda Schaffer.

Are breast cancer screening benefits being oversold?

Many leading cancer epidemiologists are now calling for women to be given more complete information about the probabilities, risks and benefits of screening, writes Simon Chapman.

Breast cancer media frenzy anything but helpful

The media may have presented an overly optimistic view of the benefits of breast cancer drug Herceptin, writes Sally Crossing.

Tips and rumours

The explanation by the Qantas engineer’s union why the “peace” talks with the airline has been pushed back to Wednesday from Monday is bulldust. They aren’t having trouble getting delegates to the meeting as claimed. They have backed off to give Qantas time to replace Geoff Dixon as CEO so that the person who has […]

Can shopping cure breast cancer?

Women can feel good about buying that new lippy, designer handbag or diamond watch because the girlish pink hue confirms you aren’t just shopping, but making a valuable donation. But how much of your money is actually going to a breast cancer charity? asks Becky Freeman.

Crikey clickthroughs

Click through to your favourite sections… PODCASTS: Canberra Calling: Download or listen to the latest episode now. BLOGWATCH: Our fabulous Friday trash wrap. STATE OF THE PLANET: Potential for life on Mars, waterfalls for NYC. STUFF WE LIKE: Googling obscenity, The Dawn Chorus hits Oz. US MEDIA WRAP: The gun issue enters the campaign. CROAKEY: Debate issues […]

Jane McGrath and a word of caution on screening

Jane McGrath’s death may lead to a boost in breast cancer screening. And that may not be all good, writes Melissa Sweet.

Pink my product — it’s that time of year again…

Global warming is driving the current profusion of all things green in retail environments. But as the temperature rises this springtime, it’s bosoms – not blossoms – that have pink busting out all over the supermarket shelves, writes market researcher Dr Stephen Downes.

Media briefs and TV ratings

Are the 60 minutes cottages prone to cancer clusters? … Nine is still the one in breaching the ACMA’s voluntary code … That’s puntastic! … The Oz’s headline Gaffe … Last night’s TV ratings.

Philanthropy through rose-coloured glasses

Nowhere is the corporatisation of philanthropy more evident than in the colour pink. But is it all rose-tinted?