Don’t use the ‘C-word’

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with over 600,000 people dying from it annually in the United States alone—equivalent to the population of a mid-sized city.

While the word 'cancer' often evokes fear of pain, suffering, and death, the reality is more nuanced.

More than 2 million Americans receive a cancer diagnosis each year, yet for many, the condition poses little to no threat to their lifespan or quality of life.

However, the label itself carries significant consequences, including psychological distress, social stigma, and economic burdens such as higher insurance costs.

Treatments like surgery or radiation can also lead to permanent side effects, such as impaired urinary, bowel, or sexual function.

The disconnect between the word's connotations and its actual implications has sparked debates about how we define and communicate cancer.