Sometimes you just have to do that—bust some bubbles. In the healthcare arena, those bubbles might be some dogma we’ve long held onto. It might be a medication or treatment that we’ve used for years or even decades, and then learn that it really doesn’t work. Or it could be just the opposite. We might have held something in contempt, certain that it was harmful or even deadly, only to discover that our fears have been completely unfounded. There’re lots of bubbles out they, and they each deserve a close look. Let’s consider some that have recently been brought to our attention.
We’ll start with fish oil. More specifically, Omega-3 fatty acids. Many of us are taking this supplement in the belief that it will help improve our lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides) and lower our risk of having a serious cardiac event. The evidence for this has been inconsistent, and based on observational studies. Now we have a large study, published in an important cardiology journal that begins to shine some definitive light on this issue. It seems the fish oil bubble may be bursting. For those of us with existing coronary artery disease (CAD), adding fish oil to our supplements and medications doesn’t confer any significant benefit. It doesn’t do any harm, but it doesn’t appear to do any good, either. And it may not have any significant effect on our lipids. It may be hard for many of us to give it up, but that’s what the evidence seems to be suggesting.
Then there’s a bubble that should have been burst long ago—talcum powder and its association with ovarian cancer. If you’re a personal injury attorney, what I’m about to say won’t make any difference. Solid science has never stood in the way of making a few dollars. Heck, making a lot of dollars. And that’s been the case with talcum powder.
Let’s start with looking at what talcum powder actually is. Talc has been in use for a long time, especially in cosmetic products such as baby powder and adult facial and body powders. It absorbs moisture and cuts down on friction, helping it to prevent rashes, especially with dry skin. The mineral itself is composed of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. In its natural form, some talc contains asbestos, which is a substance known to produce some types of cancers when inhaled. There is no evidence that magnesium or silicon or oxygen (thank Heaven) cause any kind of cancer. And—this is a key point—the American Cancer Society (ACS) states, “All talcum products used in homes in the United States have been asbestos-free since the 1970s.” The ACS further states that “No increased risk of lung cancer has been reported with the use of cosmetic talcum powder”, and that “Talc use has not been strongly linked to other cancers.” Yet, there are multi-million-dollar settlements against the companies that produce these products. Millions of women are unnecessarily alarmed because of this, and several companies have either radically altered their product lines or gone out of business all-together. Greed and bad science. Not a surprise though, is it? Remember silicon breast implants and their association with autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)? Billions paid out in settlements, with absolutely no shred of evidence to support these claims. Bubbles that should have been burst long again.
And finally, something that seems to be in the news every day, and should be. Opioid abuse. To some extent, we’re all responsible here—doctors, patients, drug companies. After decades of an escalating use of these drugs, here’s an example of what we too often hear:
Doc, my back is killing me. Nothing works except Vicodin.
Or, I’ve tried everything. Tylenol, ibuprofen, you name it. I need something stronger.
But what does stronger mean? A study recently published in JAMA compared different pain-control regimens in people with chronic pain (defined as pain experienced nearly every day for six months or more—not acute pain, such as a bad burn or broken arm). One group received narcotics (hydrocodone, oxycodone, and even morphine) while the other group was given non-opioids (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen). As you would expect, the non-opioid group had much fewer medication-related side effects. But surprisingly, at nine and then at twelve months of treatment, this same group had slightly better pain relief. Equal or better pain relief without the abuse potential and side effects. More and more data is accumulating that support these findings. And more and more bubbles are being burst.
What was that popping sound? Progress.
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