Carmen Montero: Changing the way we talk about cancer

Carmen Montero shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Hi Network,

I wanted to share this insightful article by Alejandra Mendez that deeply resonates with my beliefs. It challenges the use of warlike language in the context of a cancer journey—something that has always made me uncomfortable.

Firstly, as Alejandra points out, such language implies that those who pass away from cancer are somehow ‘losers’ in a battle, which is far from the truth.

People don’t die because they were weak or lacked the will to live. Also affects their family.

Secondly, having grown up in a country without an army, I’ve never seen war as a metaphor for the challenges we face. Illness isn’t an enemy—it’s just one part of life, not its defining feature.

I hope we can start changing the way we talk about cancer, reducing the stigma and opening up conversations.

This is crucial for so many reasons, including early diagnosis, psychological support, and informed policy decisions.

Thank you, Alejandra Mendez, for shedding light on this important topic.”

Additional information.
Source: Carmen Montero/LinkedIn

Carmen Montero is a Researcher and a Global Cancer Advocate at Youth Cancer Europe. She is the founder of Founder Monge Consultancy. She is also a Content Creator at MANO.  Previously she was a junior scientist at Junior Scientist.

Alejandra Mendez is the director of the Nuestros Hijos Foundation, and Vice President of Childhood Cancer International (CCI). She is actively involved in several local and global organizations that work to improve the lives of children with cancer and their families.