BBC Radio 4 LW

Fighting Talk: How Language Can Make Us Better

Documentaries

Factual: Health & Wellbeing

BBC Radio 4 - Fighting Talk: How Language Can Make Us Better

What impact does the language we use around cancer have on those living with the disease?

Are cancer patients brave and inspiring people, battling a terrifying illness? Cara Hoofe asks what impact the language we use around cancer has on those living with the disease.

When we talk about cancer it’s often hard to find the right words. As we search for the perfect thing to say, we find ourselves reaching for familiar metaphors; the inspiring people fighting or battling their cancer.

Cara Hoofe is currently in remission from Stage 4 bowel cancer, she says it would be easy for her to say she’s beaten cancer. Yet she’s still uncomfortable with the terminology. If she’s won her fight, does that mean others have lost? 

In this programme Cara asks experts what impact these militaristic metaphors actually have on those living with cancer, and asks current and former patients what we should talk about when we talk about cancer

BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Fighting Talk: How Language Can Make Us Better

Genres

Formats

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4