Metaphors gone too far?
Metaphors can be really important in helping patients and the general public understand complex diseases and scientific principles. Using metaphors can enable patients to make informed decisions about their treatment as well as communicate what is happening in their bodies.
Cancer and metaphors
The language surrounding cancer typically uses metaphor more than other diseases, particularly by the general public. Often using strong military language, cancer is described as a “battle” that is “bravely fought” by a “survivor” or even “victim”. This language could benefit some patients – helping them feel motivated and part of a team with their friends and family, their “army”, facing the “battle” together.
Could a misunderstood metaphor send the wrong message?
The importance and problems surrounding misleading information, particularly in the media and online is of particular interest of the moment, and it's something I've been thinking about too.
When we call cancer a battle, do we put cancer patients under pressure to “fight” their disease? Could this imply if the patient “loses their battle”, it was their fault or they weren’t brave or strong enough? Does choosing to stop treatment mean you’ve stopped “fighting”? Experiencing life with cancer will be different for every person - a ‘one metaphor fits all’ would be impossible. I’m concerned to learn about the pressure and frustration cancer patients may feel by society’s use of military language, but some patients may find it empowering and motivational way of coping. Hopefully, charities, the media and medical profession will choose a more balanced approach to describe cancer and those living with a disease, not a battlefield.
Cancer and metaphors
The language surrounding cancer typically uses metaphor more than other diseases, particularly by the general public. Often using strong military language, cancer is described as a “battle” that is “bravely fought” by a “survivor” or even “victim”. This language could benefit some patients – helping them feel motivated and part of a team with their friends and family, their “army”, facing the “battle” together.
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Part of an army? Recent emphasis on
military language during cancer fundraising campaigns – my sister’s haul of
medals from Cancer Research UK, after completing Race For Life every year for
the past 11 years! In 2015 and 2016, she received an army-style dog tag at the
finish line, instead of a medal.
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Could a misunderstood metaphor send the wrong message?
The importance and problems surrounding misleading information, particularly in the media and online is of particular interest of the moment, and it's something I've been thinking about too.
When we call cancer a battle, do we put cancer patients under pressure to “fight” their disease? Could this imply if the patient “loses their battle”, it was their fault or they weren’t brave or strong enough? Does choosing to stop treatment mean you’ve stopped “fighting”? Experiencing life with cancer will be different for every person - a ‘one metaphor fits all’ would be impossible. I’m concerned to learn about the pressure and frustration cancer patients may feel by society’s use of military language, but some patients may find it empowering and motivational way of coping. Hopefully, charities, the media and medical profession will choose a more balanced approach to describe cancer and those living with a disease, not a battlefield.
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