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[Cancer in Israel: mass mediated reality vs. real reality]
1The Department of Communication, Haifa University, Technion, Haifa. weimann@soc.haifa.ac.il
Harefuah
|September 1, 2005
Summary
Media coverage of cancer in Israel does not always align with medical data. This discrepancy may stem from news-making practices and influence from various interest groups.
Area of Science:
- Health Communication
- Media Studies
- Medical Sociology
Context:
- Cancer is a significant public health concern, and mass media plays a crucial role in disseminating health information.
- Media portrayals can influence public perception and decision-making regarding cancer.
- Cultivation research provides a theoretical framework for understanding media's impact on beliefs.
Purpose:
- To investigate discrepancies between media coverage of cancer and actual medical data in the Israeli population.
- To analyze differences in reporting on cancer types, mortality emphasis, treatment, and patient age.
- To explore potential explanations for these discrepancies, including news-making processes and interest group influence.
Summary:
- A systematic content analysis of 650 press reports from major Israeli newspapers in 2000 was conducted.
- Data from the Israeli Ministry of Health was used for comparison with media reports.
- Findings indicate that media portrayal of cancer often diverges from medical reality concerning key aspects.
Impact:
- Highlights the construction of 'mass-mediated realities' concerning health issues.
- Suggests potential implications for public understanding and decision-making about a fatal disease like cancer.
- Underscores the need to critically evaluate health information presented in mass media.