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| Photo credit: https://www.swiftyfoundation.org/cancer-is-a-journey-not-a-battle/ |
I asked the same question of three different free versions of AI: Meta, Copilot and Gemini:
People talk of their battle with cancer, and winning or losing the battle. What is the downside of that metaphor, and what is a better way of speaking about cancer?
They all gave very similar answers. Meta's answer was the most nuanced and 'sensitive', if one can speak of AI in that way:
The "battle" metaphor for cancer can have several downsides:
1. Guilt and shame: When someone "loses" their battle with cancer, it can imply that they didn't fight hard enough or didn't have the right attitude. This can lead to feelings of guilt and shame for the individual and their loved ones.
2. Unrealistic expectations: The battle metaphor can create unrealistic expectations about the outcome of cancer treatment. It implies that cancer is a war that can be won or lost, rather than a complex and unpredictable disease.
3. Overemphasis on individual responsibility: The battle metaphor places a strong emphasis on individual responsibility and personal strength. This can overlook the role of systemic factors, such as access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, and environmental factors, in cancer outcomes.
4. Stigma and blame: The battle metaphor can perpetuate stigma and blame around cancer. For example, someone who "loses" their battle with cancer might be seen as somehow flawed or weak.
Here is Meta AI's suggestion for better ways to talk about dealing with cancer:
A better way of speaking about cancer might be to use more nuanced and compassionate language. Here are some alternatives:
1. Journey or path: Instead of a battle, cancer can be described as a journey or path that individuals navigate with the support of their loved ones, healthcare providers, and community.
2. Living with cancer: This phrase acknowledges that cancer is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and care.
3. Cancer experience: This term encompasses the physical, emotional, and social aspects of living with cancer, without implying a specific outcome.
4. Resilience and adaptation: Instead of focusing on "winning" or "losing," we can emphasize the resilience and adaptability of individuals living with cancer.
By using more thoughtful and compassionate language, we can work to reduce stigma, promote empathy, and support individuals affected by cancer.
Impressive as artificial intelligence might be on the subject, it doesn't hold a candle to this blog post on the topic that I found written by Patti Gustafson: Cancer is a Journey, Not a Battle. Please read it; it is about the same length as this post is to this point. You will understand why she concludes:
I would invite us to ask ourselves, what other ways we can talk about living with cancer that are loving, encouraging and invite patients to stay engaged with life and hope for the future? In this way we help give cancer patients a perspective that is beyond simply winning or losing.
So will you please join me in changing the way we speak about cancer and the people going through it? Can we agree it is a journey, not a battle or a fight? Can we agree no matter the outcome, all cancer patients deserve the best care, the best research, more funding, as well as our prayers and support?
