Ending the 'War on Cancer' | Erin Stevens | TEDxOshkosh

War metaphors are pervasive in cancer care. Yet, as an oncologist, Dr. Stevens avoids using the war analogies with her patients. This talk explore the idea that an oncologist's job is to have hard conversations while inspiring hope - and to leave the war out of it.

Erin E. Stevens, MD is a women’s cancer expert specializing in gynecologic oncology surgery at Prevea Health in Green Bay, Wisconsin. A graduate of Ithaca College and New York Medical College, she went on to complete an obstetrics & gynecology residency and fellowship in gynecologic oncology. In doing this, she completed the equivalent of the 27th grade. She’s known for going above and beyond at her job, even once having her head shaved by a patient for a cancer fundraiser.

[christinelaverdiere]

Dr Steven’s thank you for sharing this! You are a blessing to your patients. As a former ICU nurse now geriatric NP this is so applicable to how we treat end of life.

[drkarawada]

Wow!! This needs to be discussed in the autoimmune community too. So powerful and thought provoking.

[yvettebunting-watts]

This is very powerful, we are all connected in some way and we all know someone who has been affected or have some form of cancer. Our words are meaningful, powerful and can be helpful if language is simple and caring. Thank you for sharing...

[familyinfocus]

Dr Stevens, thank you so much for sharing your heart, you experience and your perspective. Wise, wise words.

[PatrickCombs]

Brilliant! Absolutely wonderful and a refreshing perspective.

[drlizrookstresssolutionsfo]

This is amazing and really points out how powerful our thoughts and words truly are. Thank you for sharing this.

[dassori]

As a retired psychiatrist and cancer patient the connotations that the metaphor “Fight cancer.” Implies have been frustrating. Thank you for your thought provoking piece. I will share with my children and friends.

[discobunny]

Thank you for sharing this important message with the world!

[gardencompost]

I hate the word “Cancer “. It brings up so much baggage with it, a burden that is something too much to bare. And yes, using the military metaphor is damaging, and unfortunate. I hate to tell anyone that I have cancer, it color’s the way people treat me. I hate the pity, the sad looks, the I will pray from you stuff. Just treat me like anyone else, I’m still hear, still a human, still alive. Just had to rant a bit.

[carandboatnut]

Does anyone know of the success rate Because I just got approved for the 4 pills that you take daily... Please help me I'm very scared right now I have stage 4 prostate cancer that is spreading to my bones

[Oblingplaysminecraft]

Thank you Dr. Stevens - your message is so important! After hitting a 10 year mark from my cancer diagnosis, I decided to change the verbiage around it. I went from fighting it and being a "teal warrior" to the less stressful tones of living my best life and cherishing each day and I am more fulfilled by it!