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May I take your metaphor? – how we talk about cancer

Moderator Helen
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When we talk about cancer, many of us rely on metaphors.

“It’s the start of a long journey”. “I feel like I’m on a carousel that won’t let me get off”. “I’m on the road to recovery”. “She lost the fight”…

And none are more commonly used than the “battle” and “journey” metaphors. For some of us, this language can be motivating – particularly when it comes to encouraging groups to get behind, for example, a fundraising event or activity.

However, not everybody finds these expressions empowering, especially if you feel that you’re “losing the fight”.

Our latest blog looks at how we talk about cancer and asks how helpful these metaphors can be.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on it, and whether you feel that this type of talk unites or divides?

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    Intersting article. I use the tread mill metaphor, one step at a time and you can't stop,keep going ? 

    David

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    Hi Helen

    When my husband was diagnosed he chose 'journey' because he felt battle was inappropriate as there was no chance to 'win'  it in his circumstances. My friend who  had cancer on and off over 23 years with various different options for treatment had a great personal outlook and told everyone she would only ever 'go down fighting' and had some amazing achievements along the way - her life was totally different because of her cancer diagnoses (breast, liver, bone and brain) but she was amazing (in my eyes) because she threw herself into treatment and was forever pushing the boundaries (even managing to get a teaching degree despite undergoing chemo at the time).  I guess when it comes down to it its a personal opinion depending on your own circumstances and personality. In my own mind life is always a journey with ups and downs. strains and stresses but only the 'sufferers' of any illness can tell it how it is for them.  Jules

  • in reply to jules54

    I prefer stright talk.

    You just have to get on with it, easier said than done!

  • Offline in reply to Space_1999

    Hi Space

    I agree straight talk is the best, I was releived my oncologist, a wonderful caring man, was brutally frank in his discussions with me. This enabled me very quickly to come to terms with my prognosis and to decide on the best course of action to take to prolong my life. While most of this language of metaphors really annoys me especially when spoken in a "caring" headmistress to a child sort of way. I do understand why it is used, to not hurt peoples feelings, not so much those with cancer but their relatives and carers. I think there was a thread here that discussed the really annoying things people say to you when they know you have cancer. Like "oh if your going to get cancer that is quite a good one to have" duh! Perhaps will revisit the thread. Kim

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Sarah

    Hello again,

    Really interesting to read your thoughts on this, all.

    This morning, I spotted an article about broadcaster Victoria Derbyshire, and her experience of being treated for breast cancer, and it made me think of this discussion.

    The article is titled ‘You need a lot of luck, not just positivity, when cancer strikes’, and it’s written by Deborah Orr, who herself has had breast cancer. She talks about the pressure to be positive in the face of a cancer diagnosis, as well as the language of “being brave”.

    Do have a read and let us know what you think!

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    I was diagnosed 2.5 years ago with uterine cancer (a very rare one to say the least) and my husband mentioned to someone one time that "she's fighting the fight".  I remember getting so upset by that, I'm NOT fighting, I'm living, just like everyone else.  I've been cancer free for 2.5 years, I take hormone therapy daily, I try to live normally (although cancer crosses my mind daily) but I don't like to think I'm fighting, journeying, etc.  I just want to fit back into society like I did before my diagnosis.  I almost wish I had told nobody about my cancer, that's all people think when they haven't seen you in a long time.  I want my life back.

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