2012 Atlantic Journalism Awards Finalists
Attachments
| Slug/Label | Stoodley Thermography |
|---|---|
| Date Aired or Published | November 28, 2012 |
| Media outlet where first aired or published: | CBC Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Name of Program: | Here and Now |
| If co-produced, list partner: | Kathy Porter, Rob Antle |
| Location: | St.John's |
| List awards, grants: | |
| Running time (TV/Radio): | 10 minutes and 2 seconds |
|
Short explanation of the story and how it developed: A CBC News investigation into thermography, a medical diagnostic test that was being offered by dozens of private clinics in Canada, uncovered a deceptive process that was misleading women and giving false results about breast cancer. Within hours of our story airing, public policy in Canada changed. CBC NL sent an undercover patient into a private clinic in St. John’s to have a thermography test. Thermography uses a heat-sensitive infrared camera to take images of the body. It’s the same technology that is used on military surveillance and search and rescue aircraft. We were able to determine that a company in the U.S. was buying this technology,installing its own software and selling it as a medical diagnostic device to Canadian clinics. Through our investigation, we uncovered that these devices are not approved as diagnostic tools and are not licensed for sale in Canada. Our patient was given medical information that contradicted the facts. She was told that thermography can identify developing tumours years before a mammogram. A statistic that medical experts worldwide say has never been proven. Our test patient was also told that mammograms are dangerous because the exposure to radiation can cause cancer. Medical experts in Canada say this statement is misleading and discourages women from getting the only test that is scientifically proven to detect breast cancer early. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has sent warning letters to those making assertions about thermography's benefits in that country. But before the CBC News investigation aired, no such action had been taken in Canada. Within hours of our story airing, provincial governments were issuing cease and desist letters to thermography clinics and the federal government brought in new rules. Health Canada officials have also issued a border alert,stopping unlicensed thermography devices from being imported into the country. A small investigation that started in Newfoundland and Labrador, quickly evolved into a cross-country inquest and prompted government to act fast. |
|
|
Resources of the newsroom (money and time) available to complete the story: Under cover reporter- 2 work days + $300 for test Reporter: Amy Stoodley, three weeks researching, writing and editing Producers: Kathy Porter and Rob Antle, three weeks researching Editor: Paul Pickett, one week editing |
|