Task: Explanation
Input (English): Paragraph: This story informs the reader of the cost range for some generic and brand name drugs. It states that a 3-month supply of alendronate, a generic version of Fosamax, costs about $100 and that biannual infusions of the Novartis drug Zometa costs up to $1,200. Although it is not stated, these are estimated retail costs. This story does a good job of presenting potential benefits in detail, including the number of women in each study, the study design and factors that need to be taken into account when considering the results. Results are presented in both relative and absolute terms. For example, one of the studies reported about a 30% decreased incidence of developing invasive breast cancer over about 8 years in women who took oral bisphosphonates compared to those who did not. The story explains that in absolute terms, for every 1,000 women taking bisphosphonates for one year there would be one less case of invasive breast cancer. The story mentions some of the potentially severe side effects of bisphosphonates including bone, joint or muscle pain and, in rare cases, jawbone decay. The story also mentioned that one of the studies showed a slight increased risk of noninvasive tumors in women who took bisphosphonates compared to those who did not. It could have also mentioned that gastrointestinal distress is another potential side effect, but did confirm that bisphosphonates are generally well-tolerated. The story should have emphasized that this was an observational study and  that the association is just that — an association, not cause and effect. Women who develop osteoporosis tend to be women who may have lower breast cancer risk to begin with, perhaps due to lower circulating estrogen levels. This concern was addressed in a New York Times story the same studies: Claim: Studies: Bone drugs may help prevent breast cancer
Output (English): This story covers the results of preliminary findings of two large observational studies presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium which suggest that bisphosphonates, for example Fosamax, Boniva and Actonel, may play a role in reducing the risk of breast cancer. This story was informative and provided a high level of detail about how the studies were designed. It presented results in both relative and absolute terms. The story described the significance of the research but clearly indicated that role of bisphosphonates in breast cancer prevention is an unfolding story that requires further investigation. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women, following lung cancer. Currently, there are no preventive measures for women of average risk. The research results reported in this story add to other recent studies that have created interest in the potential roles of bisphosphonates – which are taken by millions of women with bone loss and osteoporosis – in reducing cancer risk.