Dear Reader,
The Health + Family column penned by Dr Muiris Houston, titled “Cancer: How to navigate the mental challenges of a diagnosis” (published on March 12th), is consistently engaging and thoughtful. Equally, I eagerly anticipate delving into the latest creation by Professor Ann-Marie O’Dwyer, a seminal work entitled “The Cancer Guide – How to Nurture Wellbeing Through and Beyond a Cancer Diagnosis.” This topic, of significant importance, decidedly requires further exposure.
Nevertheless, I was stirred to respond to Dr Houston’s use of the term “survivorship” in regard to post-cancer diagnosis. In 2015, I underwent a severe treatment for cancer and, consequently, am free of the disease to date. Alas, each day sees me grappling with enduring repercussions of that treatment, a reality that, I sorely accept, is unlikely to alter over time. Numerous individuals across Ireland share a similar personal history to mine.
Contrarily, I refrain from identifying as a ‘cancer survivor,’ making it a point to clearly communicate this when someone addresses me as such. Since my diagnosis, my expanse of volunteering as a patient advocate and representative has led me to realise many others in a comparable position harbour similar feelings. Typically, the preference leans towards identifying as individuals living post-cancer (or in some instances, with cancer). This nuanced distinction holds significant value, not merely for us but also for the countless cancer patients who did not survive to see the opportunities we have. If further exploration is sought, performing an online search for “opposite of survivor” comes highly suggested.
Questioning the appropriate terminology to replace ‘survivor’ within the sphere of cancer is a common point of discussion among health care experts, patient representatives, researchers, counselors, and certainly, cancer patients. Our quest for the ideal word continues.
Any suggestions are welcome. Yours faithfully,
Martin Sweeney,
Phibsborough,
Dublin 7.