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🇰🇷 South Korea /Health & Science

Patients find 'cancer is like a cold' hurtful; seek realistic empathy

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A survey of patients with severe illnesses found that hearing phrases like "cancer is like a cold these days" is deeply hurtful.
  • Patients prefer realistic empathy and concrete information about treatment and future life, rather than vague reassurances.
  • Experts and patient advocates highlight the need for better communication from medical professionals and support systems to ease patients' burdens.

Hearing that "cancer is like a cold these days" is one of the most hurtful phrases for patients suffering from severe illnesses, according to a recent survey. The study, conducted by patient research service Listen to Patients, surveyed 166 patients with cancer or rare diseases. Patients expressed a strong aversion to words that minimize their experience or treat their illness lightly. Instead, they seek "realistic empathy" that acknowledges their situation while fostering hope.

There are many good treatments available now. You can manage your condition and live your daily life.

— Doctor (as reported by patient)This was the most supportive and trustworthy statement patients heard from doctors upon diagnosis.

When asked about the most supportive and trustworthy words from doctors, patients overwhelmingly chose phrases like "There are many good treatments available now. You can manage your condition and live your daily life" (56.0%). Other helpful statements included "If you follow the treatment plan, there will be good results" (46.4%) and "I and the medical team will be with you until the end. Let's go together" (18.1%). These responses indicate a need for concrete information about treatment possibilities and the future, coupled with a message of solidarity.

If you follow the treatment plan, there will be good results.

— Doctor (as reported by patient)This statement was also cited as highly supportive by patients.

However, a significant portion of respondents (24.7%) felt that no words from their doctors were particularly helpful or trustworthy, highlighting the critical impact of initial communication on a patient's psychological state and treatment journey. Experts emphasize that how medical professionals deliver difficult news, such as a cancer diagnosis or transition to palliative care, profoundly affects a patient's shock and adherence to treatment. They note that Korean cancer patients, in particular, often desire specific and clear medical information more than their Western counterparts.

I and the medical team will be with you until the end. Let's go together.

— Doctor (as reported by patient)This message of solidarity resonated with patients.

Patient advocates also point to structural limitations within the Korean healthcare system, such as a lack of time for patients to ask questions and a sometimes authoritarian communication style from medical staff. They stress that while accurate medical explanations are fundamental, delivering them with empathy and in the patient's language can provide greater courage and stability. The survey underscores that "good words" are not just mere comfort but a vital support resource for patients navigating their challenging treatment journeys.

Cancer is like a cold these days.

— Family/Friend/Acquaintance (as reported by patient)This phrase was identified as the most burdensome and off-putting statement patients heard from their social circle.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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