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Time Magazine
Health reporter for Time magazine and author of The Stem Cell Hope: How Stem Cell Medicine Can Change Our Lives
PROFILE
Alice Park
Guest
FROM Alice Park
To the Point
Joe Biden's "Moon Shot" and "Cancer Politics" This month's State of the Union Address was unusually short of sweeping, long-range promises, but President Obama did endorse the ambitious goals of Vice President Biden's "Moon Shot" against cancer. The disease takes hundreds of different forms and varies from person to person. The Vice President says he can't promise a single "cure." Instead, his "Moon Shot" is aimed at doubling the rate of progress toward prevention and treatment -- by replacing competition with collaboration. When cancer researchers don't share information, he's learned, promising work can be lost in what scientists call the "Valley of Death." With profit-making companies entitled to guard their secrets, we hear how a master politician is coping with "cancer politics."
To the Point
Angelina Jolie, Breast Cancer and Radical Surgery In 1974, First Lady Betty Ford talked openly about her mastectomy, bringing the fears of every woman out into the open. Since then, much has changed, including the discovery of the BRCA 1 and 2 genes in 1994 and 95. This week, international super-star Angelina Jolie revealed her decision to have both breasts removed — even though she did not yet have cancer – starting a new conversation about what to do if genetic testing shows a high risk for the disease. Experts say the most important lesson is that even the testing is not for everyone, let alone a double mastectomy. There’s concern that many women will demand more treatment than they need, partly because of the "pink ribbon" culture and the medical industry. We hear more about the agonizing decisions women might be faced with all on their own.
To the Point
FDA Targets Painkillers Some of America's most popular painkillers contain an ingredient that's hard on the liver in large doses. Disputes about Vicodin, Percocet, Tylenol and Excedrin have raged for years. Now an advisory panel has recommended that Vicodin and Percocet be banned. Alice Park reports on health and medicine for Time magazine.
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To the Point
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.
To the Point
White House budget proposal slashes and burns President Trump's first budget request is considered dead on arrival in Congress — a familiar development in Capitol Hill. We hear what it reveals about the priorities of the new administration. What's likely to die… and what might survive?