Science on Trial: The Clash of Medical Evidence and the Law in the Breast Implant Case

Rating:
Summary: Biases Aplenty
Review: For the true story behind implants, one's time is better spent reading John Byrne's "Informed Consent". He was in charge of Dow's "ethics" program and his wife also had implants. Contrary to what Dr. Angell writes in her book, there are many studies showing immunological responses to silicone oils (most recently a study by researchers at the FDA - June 1999). The Institute of Medicine in their recent report termed the FDA study "interesting", choosing to rely on previous, and seriously flawed, studies purporting to show no link between silicone and disease (the same studies quoted in Dr. Angell's book). One of the studies looked at women who had implants for only one month (!), which is as ludicrous as determing smoking doesn't cause cancer after studying a person who smoked for only a brief time. There are thousands of court documents proving fraud on the part of the implant manufacturers. Reading through them makes one realize how powerful corporations are and how the bottom line is far more important than the health and safety of the consumer. Breast implants (saline and silicone) have NEVER been approved for safety by the FDA. They only have pre-market approval, which means they can be on the market pending the manufacturers submission of safety data. To date, the manufacturers have been UNABLE to prove implants safe. Unfortunately, the medical community and the corporate community are oftentimes inextricably intertwined. Money is the motivator. When Dr. Angell speaks of greed, I'm sure that's at least one thing she knows a lot about.

Rating:
Summary: Science Triumphs
Review: I read this book back in 1996 before the issue of implant safety was settled. I recall the impression it made on me with regard to the widespread ignorance that surrounds us, not only on specific scientific principles but also on the whole idea of the scientific method. This book illustrates why hypotheses and theories can never be evaluated by a court of law. It also illustrates why in any critical review of data one must have a control. If the incidence of a disorder is the same in a group getting implants as it is in a group that does not get implants then it is impossible to reasonably argue that there is any connection between implants and the disorder. Silicone is one of the most inert materials around and people are exposed to it all the time. I strongly recommend this book for anyone looking for further proof that our schools do not teach science adequately.

Rating:
Summary: Science Triumphs
Review: I read this book back in 1996 before the issue of implant safety was settled. I recall the impression it made on me with regard to the widespread ignorance that surrounds us, not only on specific scientific principles but also on the whole idea of the scientific method. This book illustrates why hypotheses and theories can never be evaluated by a court of law. It also illustrates why in any critical review of data one must have a control. If the incidence of a disorder is the same in a group getting implants as it is in a group that does not get implants then it is impossible to reasonably argue that there is any connection between implants and the disorder. Silicone is one of the most inert materials around and people are exposed to it all the time. I strongly recommend this book for anyone looking for further proof that our schools do not teach science adequately.

Rating:
Summary: Medical evidence vs court testimony vs belief
Review: Please note that the more or less average "average ratings" come from reviewers who either rate this one star or four to five stars. In my opinion this illustrates the main point of the book, i.e. that people either evaluate things based on medical evidence, on the opinion of experts, or on their personal belief based on personal life experience/expectations. The different ways of evaluation produce conflicting perceptions, conflicting world views which we see played out many aspect of life. I think that Dr. Angell is gutsy to even take on an issue which generates tremendous controversy. I believe that she presents the arguments for medical evidence very well. Chapter 5 is the best brief and understandable description of what medical evidence is (and is not) that I have ever read. I recommend the book on that alone. I hope that some day Dr. Angell will update the book to include more recent research.

Rating:
Summary: Medical evidence vs court testimony vs belief
Review: Please note that the more or less average "average ratings" come from reviewers who either rate this one star or four to five stars. In my opinion this illustrates the main point of the book, i.e. that people either evaluate things based on medical evidence, on the opinion of experts, or on their personal belief based on personal life experience/expectations. The different ways of evaluation produce conflicting perceptions, conflicting world views which we see played out many aspect of life. I think that Dr. Angell is gutsy to even take on an issue which generates tremendous controversy. I believe that she presents the arguments for medical evidence very well. Chapter 5 is the best brief and understandable description of what medical evidence is (and is not) that I have ever read. I recommend the book on that alone. I hope that some day Dr. Angell will update the book to include more recent research.