The only way to answer this question is to read the published studies yourself. We do it for you each month. Our articles provide a critical evaluation of the latest medical research you’re not likely to get from your doctor. (New to this website? click here)

Drugs to treat the flu
Tamiflu and Relenza have only “modest” effectiveness and we know little about their safety.  Read more

A new take on bone density retesting
Osteoporosis takes 15  years to develop in women whose bone density tests are normal at age 67. No need for frequent retesting after that.   Read how bone-density screening creates drug customers.

Weight loss won’t prevent diabetes
Studies show that hardly anyone can meet the standard weight-loss goal for preventing diabetes 2.  And those who make it halfway usually regain the weight in a couple of years.       Read more

Drugs that cause leg cramps
Ingenious Canadian study pinpoints the most commonly prescribed drugs most likely to cause painful, sleep disrupting leg cramps.    read more

Breast cancer treatment decision aid
This website helps women decide whether additional treatment (e.g., hormone therapy, chemotherapy) after breast surgery is worthwhile.       read more

Niacin and the heart
Niacin (vitamin B3), taken in very high doses, bridges the gap between mainstream and alternative medicine.  It has finally been put to a good test.      read more

Breast cancer deaths are dropping
Read why improvements in treatment account for most of this good news, not mammography screening.            read more

The PSA debacle
It’s official. The PSA screening blood test for early detection of prostate cancer leads to more tests and drastic treatments that cause serious harm but saves no lives.  See who was behind the marketing of this test to doctors and the general public.      read more