Cancer Survivorship and Beyond

摘要

A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO I STOOD UP DURING THE question-and-answer period at a conference at which the issue of cancer "survivorship" was on the agenda. Thinking that the term "cancer survivor" might carry unwanted connotations, I asked why someone with a history of cancer would seek that designation. A person who had been treated for breast cancer responded passionately from the podium, to considerable applause: "Because we're not patients!" Feeling chastened, my question admittedly "out of touch," I bowed my head and slunk back to my seat.