Here is an interesting thought for you....I decided to try something because I was having this discussion with someone else and decided to test her sources.
One of the largest problems is misinformation. An organization can 'decide' that 87% of all lung cancer is caused by smoking....(the Cancer institute for example). They don't even have to have any supporting documentation to make this claim...for example, go to the National Cancer Institute website. You can clearly see that 87% of all lung cancer is caused by smoking. The average Joe will believe this, without questioning it. Well, today I decided to question it. I actually first found this figure at the American Lung Association. I called and asked them (I challenge you to do the same). I was advised that no one could actually find out (after holding for 30 mins while they researched this) where that number came from. Finally someone told me to check with the National Cancer Institute.
I went to their website, and went to the 'Contact Us' section. Here is what (verbatim) happened when I 'chatted' with their helo folks:
Tue Jun 28 12:28:43 EDT 2005
Welcome to LiveHelp, the National Cancer Institute’s On-Line cancer information service. LiveHelp users sometimes lose their connection because of technical problems on the Internet. If that happens, please try to reconnect or, if you live in the United States, you may call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) between 9 AM and 4:30 PM local time.
LiveHelp information specialists cannot provide medical advice, consultations, or make referrals to physicians. However, they can provide information about cancer that you may find useful.
Welcome! Please wait for the next available specialist...
NCI Information Specialist : How may I help you?
NCI Information Specialist : Hello, how may I help you?
CA_24439 : Yes, I was wondering if you could provide the supporting documentation for the 87% figure that your website states is the % of lung cancer caused by smoking
NCI Information Specialist : I can look for information to answer your questions. In order to provide the most relevant information, it would be helpful to know more about the specific situation.
CA_24439 : Your website states:
"Cigarette smoking causes 87 percent of lung cancer deaths and is responsible for most cancers of the larynx, oral cavity and pharynx, esophagus, and bladder (see Question 1)."
And I was simply wondering how you arrived at that figure.
NCI Information Specialist : Please hold.
CA_24439 : Thanks!
NCI Information Specialist : Our resources and statistics come form the National Cancer Institute's technical writers. For information on the written source you may contact our office of Public Inquiries 301-435-3848.
NCI Information Specialist : Is there anything else I can help you with?
CA_24439 : So, there is no way to find out with out a long distance call where this number comes from?
NCI Information Specialist : If you need information immediately, please call 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237), 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday; TTY 1-800-332-8615. Otherwise, use the form below to e-mail questions or suggestions about this Web site (
http://www.cancer.gov). Alternatively, you may send an e-mail to
cancergovstaff@mail.nih.gov. Should your message require a response, you may expect one within 5 to 7 business days.
NCI Information Specialist : Through the email you can receive and answer to your concern.
CA_24439 : Ok, thanks, I'll try them
NCI Information Specialist : May I ask you a question to help us evaluate our program and see who we are serving? Your response will be completely confidential.
CA_24439 : Sure
NCI Information Specialist : Here is the link in order to send the email.
http://www.cancer.gov/contact
NCI Information Specialist : Have you used our service before?
CA_24439 : No I have not
NCI Information Specialist : Thank you for using the National Cancer Institute's LiveHelp service. Please contact us again if you need further assistance. Have a nice day.
CA_24439 : Thanks!
I then called the number provided.....I was placed on hold for another 10 minutes. When the lady returned to the phone, I was advised that she would have to do FURTHER RESEARCH to find out, because....GUESS WHAT?!?!? No one knew where the number came from....
If you doubt the validity of this, try it for yourself....I will be gald to update you if and when anybody gets back with me. But, I knida doubt that they will.