Person-first language matters. – The Lancet

The Lancet, made the following post on LinkedIn:

“Person-first language matters.

By using disease-centred language—“lung cancer patient” or “a case of breast cancer”, for example—patients can be or feel dehumanised, equated with a disease rather than referred to as an individual.

While certain phrases are used as shorthand to aid communication, they could be linked with apathetic attitudes, worsen the emotional load that comes with a cancer diagnosis, or even delay health-seeking behaviours.

For more than 20 years, The Lancet Group has promoted person-first language and worked to improve inclusivity and representation. Indeed, this August, we became a signatory of the People First Charter—an initiative to promote person-first language in the specialty of HIV and sexual health (link in comments).

“Respectful language…should be the absolute minimum requirement for medical professionals, whether speaking with patients face to face or in the literature”, say editors of The Lancet Oncology. In a new Editorial, they considers the impacts of language in oncology and beyond.”

For details click here.
Source: The Lancet/LinkedIn