The Truth Behind Fake News

“Fake news” seems to be thrown around a lot these days. It might surprise you to learn that chiropractors have known about this phenomenon for a while. How? By giving a critical eye to the latest claims made by the pharmaceutical industry.

When the latest “research” hits the airways promoted as a new treatment, realize this may be a form of drug advertising passed off as journalism. It’s not news, and should be evaluated thoughtfully. Take this –which sounds more appealing: A drug that reduces your risk of cancer by 50%, or a drug that eliminates cancer in 1 out of 100 people?

The first, right? Wrong. Both descriptions mean the very same thing! Let’s say that the trial involves 100 people. During the trial, two people would normally be expected to get cancer. However, when all 100 people get the drug, only 1 person gets cancer—a 50% reduction.

So, even though the drug may help 1 of 100 people, its side effects may increase risks to all 100 people. Even though a chiropractor’s “side effects” are largely positive, it rarely makes the news!