I was asked to comment on a paper whose title claimed a "major risk
factor" for a cancer. This looks like another candidate for phrases
likely to mislead the public. Would it imply, to you, that the factor
just had a larger effect than other factors studied or that it had a
substantial impact with health policy implications? Does a "major
factor" imply an odds ratio greater than some threshold? Is there a
particular definition within the medical literature, or is this
sensationalism parading as science?
As usual, please follow allstat conventions and comment to me. I'll
summarize.
Allan
R Allan Reese
Senior statistician, Cefas
The Nothe, Weymouth DT4 8UB
Tel: +44 (0)1305 206614 -direct
Fax: +44 (0)1305 206601
www.cefas.co.uk
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