Mike Bassett

Mike Bassett is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience, specializing in oncology and hematology for MedPage Today. Based in Massachusetts, he holds degrees from Boston University and George Washington University. In his personal life, he enjoys soccer and has a strong interest in the sport. As an accomplished writer, Bassett provides unique insights into the world of medicine and healthcare.

Biography:  https://www.medpagetoday.com/people/mb2439/mike-bassett/np_30

81%

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

91%

Examples:

  • Annual mammography is as efficient as biennial mammography, provides greater overall gains in years of life saved, and is particularly important for premenopausal women, especially women in racial and ethnic minority groups.
  • The evidence report and a modeling study supporting the new recommendations have also been published in JAMA. The change in the recommendation brings it more in line with current clinical practice and with guidelines from other leading societies, including the American College of Radiology (ACR) and Society of Breast Imaging, both of which recommend annual screening starting at age 40.

Conflicts of Interest

88%

Examples:

  • Collins explained that 5 years ago his doctor had noted a slow rise in his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. A targeted biopsy then identified he had a slow-growing cancer and he was referred to active surveillance.
  • He noted that the 5-year survival rate for prostate cancer that has metastasized to other parts of the body is just 34%.
  • On the other hand, the American Urological Association and Society for Urologic Oncology suggest that screening should begin earlier -- especially for men like Collins with a family history of prostate cancer, and African-American men who have a higher prostate cancer risk.
  • The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) 2018 recommendations suggested that men ages 55 to 69 discuss PSA screening with their physicians, but advised against screening once men hit the age of 70.

Contradictions

91%

Examples:

  • Screening recommended every two years from age 40 to 74.
  • USPSTF has revised breast cancer screening recommendations for women at average risk[

Deceptions

62%

Examples:

  • The statement 'I went public to share lifesaving information' is deceptive because there is no evidence presented in the article to support this claim.

Recent Articles

New USPSTF Guidelines: Women Age 40 and Older Should Get Mammograms Every Other Year for Breast Cancer Detection

New USPSTF Guidelines: Women Age 40 and Older Should Get Mammograms Every Other Year for Breast Cancer Detection

Broke On: Friday, 03 May 2024 New USPSTF guidelines recommend women aged 40-74 get mammograms every other year to reduce breast cancer deaths, responding to rising rates among younger women and evidence of life-saving benefits. Previously, screenings were suggested for those in their 50s or later. The new recommendations apply to all women except those with dense breasts or high risk factors, who should consult their doctors for more frequent evaluations. Early detection is crucial, as evidenced by the story of Jaye Duncan, a mother and public defender diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer at age 41 after completing the Boston Marathon.
Former NIH Director Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer, Encourages Early Detection and Participation in Clinical Trials

Former NIH Director Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer, Encourages Early Detection and Participation in Clinical Trials

Broke On: Friday, 12 April 2024 Francis Collins, former director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer and is undergoing a radical prostatectomy procedure. He uses his diagnosis to share lifesaving information about early detection and encourage participation in clinical trials for men at risk. Collins highlights health inequities faced by Black men, who are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive forms of the disease. The conversation sparked by Collins' diagnosis emphasizes openness and transparency in healthcare, as well as continued research into effective treatment options.