Being that it is National Breast
Cancer Awareness month, I chose this article because of its focus on breast cancer.
The topic that the author writes about is a dispute over the patenting of gene
mutations that can lead to advances in cancer treatment. She opens with a
statement that does not sound controversial nor has much sustenance but it
catches the reader’s attention because it seems random. The author moves forward to discuss how
Myriad Genetics Inc. has a monopoly over two gene mutations that are closely
related to both breast and ovarian cancer. Tests for these two genetic mutations are sent to the lab
based in Salt Lake City, Utah where the company can charge customers as much as
they want because of the patent that they hold over the gene mutations. The
author first presents the issue and then continues with the competing
viewpoints but her bias is woven throughout. She uses quotes from Dr. James
Watson, who first discovered the structure and function of DNA, in order to
illustrate how twisted it is that researchers, scientists, and doctors are
deprived of using the two gene mutations that Myriad Genetics Inc. has a
monopoly over. She is trying to demonstrate
that it was not long ago that DNA was discovered and if the gene mutations were
available to the scientific and medical communities that great strides could be
made in treating and curing cancer. She presents the defensive Myriad Genetics Inc.’s opinion but
it is obvious through her diction that she does not support their beliefs. Along
with her own subtle opinion she includes numerous quotes from doctors and scientists
that are more firm in their disapproval of the patenting of gene mutations.
With the many quotes, the author is able to build her credibility and an
argument though as a journalist she is supposed to stay neutral.
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