Deidre McPhillips

Deidre McPhillips is a journalist at CNN who covers health news. She has written extensively about cancer prevention, obesity-related health risks, and the impact of weight-loss and diabetes medications on cancer risk. Her work often highlights the role of modifiable risk factors in preventing chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. McPhillips also covers policy issues related to health disparities and environmental factors that impact access to healthy habits such as exercise and healthy food.

Biography:  https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/11/health/cancer-cases-deaths-preventable-factors-wellness/index.html

83%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermines the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
Analysis.OverallConflictOfInterestScore * 0.3F + Analysis.OverallBiasScore * 0.3F + Analysis.DeceptivenessScore * 0.3F + Analysis.ReadabilityScore * 0.1F

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

The Daily's Verdict

This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.

Bias

87%

Examples:

  • The author also mentions that certain cancers are more preventable than others and provides examples of specific cancers where modifiable risk factors contribute significantly to new cases.
  • The author presents a balanced view of the topic, highlighting the preventable risk factors for cancer and their impact on cancer cases and deaths. However, there is a slight emphasis on modifiable risk factors being able to be changed by individuals to reduce their risk of cancer.
  • There is a mention of the importance of creating healthy habits early in life, but it is not overly emphasized.

Conflicts of Interest

85%

Examples:

  • The author also mentions that certain cancers are more prevalent in historically disadvantaged neighborhoods, where it might not be safe to exercise or easy to get to a store with healthy food, suggesting a potential conflict of interest related to socioeconomic status and access to healthcare.
  • The author discusses the role of weight-loss and diabetes medications in reducing the risk of some cancers.
  • There is a mention of the potential conflict of interest regarding studies on these medications, but it does not seem to significantly impact the overall message or credibility of the article.

Contradictions

91%

Examples:

  • The article consistently highlights the impact of modifiable risk factors on cancer cases and deaths throughout.
  • The author provides specific examples of cancers where modifiable risk factors contribute significantly to new cases, including lung cancer, obesity-related cancers, and skin cancer.
  • There are no contradictions within the article itself as it consistently presents data and statistics related to preventable risk factors for cancer.

Deceptions

75%

Examples:

  • However, there is a slight overemphasis on the control individuals have over their risk of cancer, which could be misleading for readers.
  • The article does not seem to have any intentional deception or misinformation.
  • There are some instances where the author provides specific examples of cancers and their risk factors, but these examples are supported by data and statistics.

Recent Articles

Half of US Adult Cancer Cases and Deaths Preventable: Smoking, Obesity, Alcohol, Inactivity, UV Radiation

Half of US Adult Cancer Cases and Deaths Preventable: Smoking, Obesity, Alcohol, Inactivity, UV Radiation

Broke On: Thursday, 11 July 2024 Recent American Cancer Society studies reveal that nearly half of US cancer cases and deaths could be prevented through lifestyle changes. Leading causes include smoking (56% men, 39.9% women), excess body weight (7.6%), alcohol consumption (5.4%), physical inactivity (3.1%), and UV radiation exposure (4.6%). Making lifestyle adjustments like quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, staying active, and protecting from UV rays could prevent 40% of adult cancer cases.
Zepbound Outperforms Wegovy: New Study Shows Tirzepatide's Superior Weight Loss Effectiveness in Head-to-Head Comparison

Zepbound Outperforms Wegovy: New Study Shows Tirzepatide's Superior Weight Loss Effectiveness in Head-to-Head Comparison

Broke On: Monday, 08 July 2024 Zepbound outperforms Wegovy in head-to-head weight loss study, offering a more effective option for significant weight loss according to a JAMA Internal Medicine publication. The study found obese and overweight adults taking tirzepatide, the generic name for Zepbound and Mounjaro, lost more weight and did so faster than those taking semaglutide, the generic name for Wegovy and Ozempic. This marks a significant milestone in the competition between Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk as they vie for market dominance in the weight loss market.
Ultra-Processed Foods: New Studies Reveal Potential Health Risks and Strategies for Change

Ultra-Processed Foods: New Studies Reveal Potential Health Risks and Strategies for Change

Broke On: Friday, 05 July 2024 Two studies reveal that consuming large amounts of ultra-processed foods increases the risk of death and various health issues, including type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Ultra-processed foods, such as ready-to-eat meals, sugary products, snacks, and drinks, have been linked to a higher risk of 32 health problems. To reduce intake and improve overall health, consider taking a break from ultra-processed foods or finding minimally processed alternatives.
New Study Suggests GLP-1 Medications May Lower Risk of Obesity-Related Cancers

New Study Suggests GLP-1 Medications May Lower Risk of Obesity-Related Cancers

Broke On: Saturday, 06 July 2024 New study reveals GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, may lower risk of 10 obesity-related cancers for people with type 2 diabetes. The research found significant reductions in gallbladder, meningioma, pancreatic, hepatocellular carcinoma (liver), ovarian, colorectal cancer, multiple myeloma, esophageal cancer, and endometrial cancer risks. GLP-1 medications interact with insulin production systems and reduce inflammation and growth factors linked to obesity-related cancers.
CDC Warns of Rising Covid-19 Levels in US: New KP.2 and KP.3 Variants Account for Over Half of Infections

CDC Warns of Rising Covid-19 Levels in US: New KP.2 and KP.3 Variants Account for Over Half of Infections

Broke On: Friday, 28 June 2024 New Covid-19 variants KP.2 and KP.3, now responsible for over half of new infections in the US, are driving a surge in cases. The CDC advises manufacturers to produce updated vaccines targeting these strains, anticipated by mid-August to late September. With infection rates rising in at least 38 states and hospitalizations and deaths ticking up, health officials urge preventative measures like wearing masks indoors and staying home when sick.
FDA Panel Rejects MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD: Rigorous Clinical Trials and Transparency Needed

FDA Panel Rejects MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD: Rigorous Clinical Trials and Transparency Needed

Broke On: Monday, 03 June 2024 FDA advisory committee votes against MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD due to concerns over flawed clinical trials and potential misconduct, jeopardizing Lykos Therapeutics' FDA approval and slowing down the expansion of the psychedelics market. Patients with debilitating PTSD symptoms continue their search for effective treatments as experts remain optimistic about psychedelics' potential in mental health disorders.
Revolution in Abortion Care: Telehealth Medication Abortions Surge Amidst State Restrictions

Revolution in Abortion Care: Telehealth Medication Abortions Surge Amidst State Restrictions

Broke On: Tuesday, 14 May 2024 In the wake of the US Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, medication abortions through telehealth have surged, accounting for nearly 20% of all US abortions in late 2023. This increase is attributed to Covid-19 pandemic regulatory flexibilities and growing restrictions on in-person abortion services. However, the rise of telehealth abortions has raised concerns over medical norms and patient safety in states with strict abortion bans.
New Study: Semaglutide in Ozempic Reduces Risk of Serious Kidney Outcomes, Major Cardiovascular Events, and Death for Diabetes Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

New Study: Semaglutide in Ozempic Reduces Risk of Serious Kidney Outcomes, Major Cardiovascular Events, and Death for Diabetes Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Broke On: Friday, 24 May 2024 New findings from the FLOW trial show semaglutide, a compound in Ozempic, reduces risk of serious kidney outcomes, major cardiovascular events and death for diabetes patients with chronic kidney disease.
Preliminary Data Shows Decrease in Drug Overdose Deaths in US for First Time in 5 Years, but Disparities Persist

Preliminary Data Shows Decrease in Drug Overdose Deaths in US for First Time in 5 Years, but Disparities Persist

Broke On: Wednesday, 15 May 2024 Preliminary data from the CDC reveals a decrease in drug overdose deaths in the US for the first time in five years, with about 104,000 fewer fatalities than in 2022. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl remain a significant contributor to overdoses, accounting for around 70% of cases. Harm reduction tools and public health strategies have contributed to the decline, but racial disparities persist.
CDC Warns of Dangers from Fake Botox Injections at Unregulated Med Spas

CDC Warns of Dangers from Fake Botox Injections at Unregulated Med Spas

Broke On: Thursday, 11 April 2024 The CDC is investigating a multistate outbreak of botulism-like illnesses linked to fake Botox injections at unregulated med spas. Medical professionals should be aware and take steps to prevent these counterfeit products from being administered. Patients who have received cosmetic procedures using botulinum toxin products outside a licensed setting should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms similar to botulism.