Tag Archives: Elena Semino

Dying Isn’t Fighting Death

How the words "fighting" and "surviving" can make caregivers and patients feel guilty

How do you describe someone who is lying in a hospital bed, dying? Chances are you’ve heard a nurse, a relative or a close friend tell you that the person is “fighting death.” You might even say it yourself. People with … Continue reading

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Be Careful with How You Use War Metaphors for Terminally Ill Patients with Cancer

According to language and end-of-life care experts in a recent study, using metaphors, such as “losing your battle” or “battle to be fought,” can have a detrimental effect on the feelings of those dealing with terminal cancer diagnoses

According to an article on U.K.’s The Independent’s website, those with expertise in language and end-of-life care are saying that the standard media practice of describing “cancer as a ‘battle to be fought’ are leading to feelings or failure and … Continue reading

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