The Problem with the Cancer ‘Battle’
The terminology surrounding the cancer journey is often associated with a “battle” and can misconstrue the experience of treatment.
Language is an important tool when it comes to living with cancer. The terminology used when referring to an individual’s experience with the disease can incite a range of emotions and can often be misconstrued.
Dr. Mark Lewis, of Intermountain Healthcare, is also a survivor. In a recent interview with CURE®, Lewis discussed why the use of the word “battle” can be polarizing when referring to someone’s cancer journey, and why sometimes the idea of opting to forego treatment is the bravest decision of all.
Transcription:
One of the problems I have with language around cancer is, whether patients choose or not, there's often a lot of talk about ‘battle.’
In fact, in almost every obituary I saw about Chadwick Boseman mentioned him battling cancer. You know, if you accept the fighting metaphor, that's great, but it's not for everybody. And what I don't like about it is it implies some lack of courage, or spirit, when patients either die, or, quite reasonably sometimes, if they choose not to pursue chemotherapy.
Sometimes I think the bravest decision I see is someone who, against the recommendation and pressure from their family, says, ‘You know what, I've listened to you, doc, I've heard about the risks and benefits. I just want to live my life, however long that's going to be, and I want to maximize its quality.’
That, in itself, is a very courageous decision, in my opinion.
The Sport of Cancer: How One Survivor Linked Ironman Training and Colorectal Cancer
February 16th 2023Teri Griege completed an Ironman triathlon in 2009, and less than a month later received a stage 4 colorectal cancer diagnosis. In this episode of Cancer Horizons, she shared her story.
Listen
‘Let’s Go After This Thing and Fight’ Urges a Long-Time Survivor of Early-Onset CRC
January 27th 2022In this episode of the “Cancer Horizons” podcast, a woman living with colorectal cancer who was diagnosed 14 years ago at age 29 discusses what it was like to be the youngest person in the treatment room, and how she found another community of young survivors.
Listen
