The Language of Cancer

In his blog, at The Oncologist, Dr. Don Dizon invites us into his conversation with patient empowerment advocate Stacy Tinianov. Through meaningful dialogue with Stacy, an early-stage breast cancer survivor, Dr. Dizon seeks to “evolve as a clinician, and as a communicator.” His goal with these conversations is to “collectively transform the system to meet the clinical and holistic needs of both patients and clinicians.”

One thing that stands out in the exchange between Dr. Dizon and Stacy is that language and vocabulary matters. It is not uncommon for what physicians say to be interpreted by patients in different ways. As Stacy tells Dr. Dizon, “Words absolutely matter and,… we need to ensure that we respect individuals’ connotation of the words as well.” Conversations between physicians, patients and caregivers about diagnosis, treatment and life with cancer are both profoundly technical and overwhelmingly emotional. Communication woven with compassion and clinical insight will help achieve mutual goals of care. Join with Patients and Providers United to amplify the voices that seek to preserve the precious physician-patient relationship.