Cancer Survivor, Researchers Discuss Best Way to Communicate about Cancer

KPBS | By KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published September 10, 2008 at 9:30 AM PDT

This story was published more than 15 years ago.

How do we talk about serious diseases like cancer? Host Maureen Cavanaugh speaks to a cancer survivor and a professor who studies how families, patients, and doctors talk to each about cancer and dise

Originally aired on March 26, 2008.

Maureen Cavanaugh (Guest Host): A diagnosis of cancer is not the death sentence it used to be. But it is still a frightening experience for most patients. And despite major advances in cancer care, it remains the second leading cause of death in the U.S.

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Chances are, you know someone who has, or has had, cancer. But for many people, talking about cancer with loved ones, with friends and even with doctors can be a difficult, painful process. Is there a right way and a wrong way to talk about cancer? And how does the way we communicate about it help us deal with the illness?

Guests

Wayne Beach , professor of communication at San Diego State University and a researcher at the Moores Cancer Center at UCSD.

David Dozier , 20-year cancer survivor and journalism professor at San Diego State University. He also studies communication at the Moores Cancer Center.