Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

October 12, 2008 4:56:06 AM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Upbeat Cancer Research Funded by Big Tobacco

Posted Mar 26, 08 3:37 AM CDT in Business,  Science & Health 

(Newser) – Tobacco money paid for research that said CT scans could prevent 80% of lung cancer deaths, the New York Times reports. The news has shocked cancer researchers, who are generally loathe to have anything to do with cigarette companies. “If you’re using blood money, you need to tell people you’re using blood money,” said the head of the American Cancer Society.

A footnote at the end of the 2006 study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, mentioned that it had been partially funded by a little-known charity, whose tax records revealed that almost all its money came from the parent company of the Liggett Group, a major producer of cigarettes. Some cancer groups have embraced the study's controversial findings, but others say the research is now tainted and wonder how such an apparent conflict of interest was allowed.

Source New York Times

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Genetics May Play Role in Smokers' Cancer Risk

    Apr 2, 08 8:50 PM CDT
    Genetics May Play Role in Smokers' Cancer Risk Three new studies have found a genetic variation that may increase smokers' chances of getting lung cancer. A smoker who inherits the variations from both parents has a 70% to 80% greater risk of developing the cancer. The findings could shed light on why some  smokers get cancer and some don't, and why some are more prone to getting hooked. They also could lead to better anti-smoking treatments, the Telegraph reports. More »

The image on the screen is that of a man's lungs, taken during a full body CT scan. Research showing CT scanning can prevent most lung cancer deaths was funded by a tobacco company.   (KRT Photos)
Technology can detects suspicious nodules that may be early-stage lung cancer, leading to improved patient survival rates. (   (AP Photo)
The world of cancer research has been jolted by news that a 2006 study on lung cancer was partially funded by a cigarette company.   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 1)

Tags

smoking  • cancer research  • cigarettes  • lung cancer  • tobacco companies  • conflict of interest  • cancer screening  • CT scans


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other Science & Health Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »