On Thursday at noon, the News explained a scientific breakthrough: a new test that predicts the likelihood of metastasis in the most common form of breast cancer. The discovery is not only a step forward in the field of personalized medicine but also unique: the improved prognosis doesn't involve taking a new drug, but rather stopping a regular drug to prevent osteoporosis.
Explaining scientific and biological processes to translate such complex information to a largely non-expert audience is not easy. And one of the key journalistic tasks in this field is knowing how to make this information accessible and, at the same time, working to ensure dissemination that doesn't fall into ridiculous, childish didacticism. The news was endorsed by Marta Arrufat (who co-wrote it with Oriol Esteve). Arrufat is especially good at reporting news related to science and medicine. She generally does this through a selection of experts who are skilled at communicating their work, considering patients as an important voice, and explaining the nuances of research.
News stories related to scientific advances, especially in the treatment of serious illnesses, arouse a great deal of interest among viewers. Everyone feels challenged, and these stories contribute to the hope of many people. But often, much of this news with optimistic headlines is merely the seed of a long process that still has many twists and turns to go before it is actually applied to patients and the results are confirmed. Therefore, in the case of this news story, Arrufat emphasized the hospital reality of this test with a statement from Roger Gomis, a research professor. Journalists used this to conclude the story and thus emphasize its importance. Gomis, after very clearly describing what this change in the treatment of some breast cancers consisted of and how it affected the human body, declared: "What we do is very complicated. And, therefore, when you see what you do, then go to the patients and it's true, that the biology we have discovered, with the cells, with the cells, also has a clinical impact, and furthermore, you end up changing the decision of the oncologist and the patient regarding how the treatment is, it's the ultimate achievement." Gomis recounted this with an enthusiasm that moved the viewer.
Although it sometimes goes unnoticed, there is also good news on the news. And much of it has to do with scientific research being carried out in Catalonia. Reporting it well and making it reach the public is important. And seeing professionals in this sector excitedly explaining the significance of their results is beautiful because you know it has an impact on the lives of many people.
