Cancer Truth Note: #86

by | Feb 26, 2023 | Cancer Truth Note

When people had strong reactions to learning I had cancer, it never had anything to do with me, it was a projection of their bias or experience with the word cancer.

The World Health Organization defines cancer as encompassing roughly 200 different illnesses. Since President Nixon declared a war on cancer in 1971, the word cancer is associated with death. The nuance of type, stage, prognosis today based on interventions available right now versus 50 years ago. I learned really quickly that reactions to a cancer diagnosis may be a tiny bit about the person with the diagnosis, however, the initial reaction is nearly always about the recipient of the information and their bias and/or experience with the word cancer. It really was not about the facts of my diagnosis.

Have you had interesting exchanges with random strangers? Or friends? Family?

Continue the conversation in the facebook group Surviving is JUST the Beginning or follow me on Instagram.

 

 

 

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