statistics and d*mn lies | Arthritis Information

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I just read on another board that there is a 300% increase in stomach cancer with Enbrel.   Someone else posted that stomach cancer is normally 1:25000, so a 300% increase is something like 3:25000, that means 3 people out of every 25000 gets stomach cancer.   Now if you just read that there is a 300% increase in stomach cancer with Enbrel it would be terrifying, but once someone knowledgeable gives the actual figures, it puts the whole thing into perspective.  Also there were also some contributing factors that the statistics have omitted which would also help to understand what they mean, but you're never given them.
I just hate statistics, never helped me to make my mind up about anything!
anna_uk

LIke the old saying.....you can make statistics prove anything you want.  It goes along with the other sayings......don't believe everything you read, and take everything with a grain of salt.

You really have to know ALL the facts not just a single statistic when you are looking at information.

Thanks for the reminder anna.

Anna, please give us the site or copy and paste the info.  Info like this without actually seeing who did the study, where it was done, etc., etc., doesn't tell us much.  I won't get alarmed until I can read it and see who has done the study and if it fits the criteria of a true scientific study.  There's a lot of junk out there. Thanks, Lindy

You are so right about statistics!!!  I recently saw a post that said triple DMARD treatment was so much better.  Then the statistics given to support this were 28% in remission on triple DMARDS; 21% in remission on single DMARD.

Is that such a huge difference?  In a study of 160 people?  Considering some of undesirable side effects of some of the DMARDS, maybe I would split the difference and do double DMARD and hope for a 24.5% chance of remission????

You really have to take in all in from a lot of sources.  No 'one' study is going to give you everything you need to know.

42% of all statistics are made up on the spot.




Think about it. ;-)

Very cute, Katie!

What is the quote - lies, d*amn lies, and statistics????

katie
absolutely!
it's all meaningless....
anna

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