Citation

Goodman LE, Goodman MJ. Hastings Cent. Rep. 1986; 16(2): 26-38.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1986, Institute of Society, Ethics and the Life Sciences)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

3700076

Abstract

Examples are cited to argue that some mass prevention programs have been oversold. The National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society's promotion of dietary changes to reduce cancer risk has spawned risky diets promoted by food faddists. Overuse of hysterectomy and estrogen replacement therapy and an overzealous swine flu immunization campaign have caused needless mortality and morbidity from complications. Promoting adolescent contraception as a means to reduce child abuse represents an overextension of the idea of preventive health measures into the nonmedical sphere, as do physicians' campaigns that amplify children's fears of nuclear disaster. Public confusion about the distinction between therapy and prevention has been fostered by groups soliciting funds for cancer research, while some health promotion campaigns have contributed to a blame-the-victim mentality and to the imputing of magical powers to certain prevention symbols.

Language: en