The Illusion of Certainty: Health Benefits and Risks (PDF)

by
Erik Rifkin, Edward BouwerErik Rifkin, Edward Bouwer

Foreword is written by Dr. Jared Cohon, President of Carnegie Mellon University Of interest to millions of people who are concerned with true benefit of screening tests such as mammography, prostate cancer screening, cholesterol screening and colorectal cancer screening Informs the public on true risks and benefits of taking statins, drugs such as VioxxT, the risks of smoking and the risks of exposure to environmental contaminants such as dioxin, mercury and radon Provides practical information and tools to make informed decision on risk and benefits Book is written to explain complex concepts in an accessible manner The Illusion of Certainty: Health Benefits and Risks peels away the “veneer of certainty” which many of us attach to health risk and benefit information given to us in our daily lives. It was written and designed primarily to assist the public in comprehending and interpreting the uncertainty associated with the overwhelming amount of information on medical and environmental health risks. The book uses unique, visual presentations and case studies to explain the benefits of medical screening tests (e.g., mammography, prostate and colorectal cancer screening, cholesterol screening) and drugs (e.g., statins, VioxxT) and the risks associated with exposure to environmental contaminants (e.g., lead, dioxin, radon). This book will help patients and their families get more involved in making medical decisions, and citizens face critical questions about the environment. By putting the complexities of risk analysis in terms the general public can relate to, the authors are empowering people to make well-informed decisions.

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