Robert Wilson and Breast Cancer

An interesting side note to today's big story in the New York Times, which reports that the sharp seven percent decline in breast cancer rates reported in 2003 was probably due to declining use of hormone replacement therapy. Robert Wilson, author of the book that stoked the movement to stay Forever Feminine, was receiving substantial financial assistance from Wyeth, the maker of the estrogen pills, while promoting his book and the drug's use.

Gina Kolata mentioned Wilson in her story this morning in the Times. But she didn't mention his well-documented background. That's unfortunate, because it would have educated the millions of women who will avidly read that story about a phenomenon that is still with us. If you read about a drug that is too good to be true, it probably is; and not only that, the guy touting it is probably on the take.