Clinicians' and Patients' Perceptions and Use of the Word Cured in Cancer Care: An Italian Survey

Background. The words hope and cure were used in a greater number of articles and sentences in narrative and editorial papers than in primary research. Despite concomitant improvements in cancer outcomes, the related reluctance to use these terms in more scientifically oriented original reports may reflect a bias worthy of future exploration. This study aims to survey a group of physicians and cancer patients regarding their perception and use of the word cure. Materials and Method. An anonymous online and print survey was conducted to explore Italian clinicians' (the sample includes medical oncologists, radiotherapists, and oncological surgeons) and cancer patients' approach to the perception and use of the word cure in cancer care. The participants received an email informing them of the study's purpose and were invited to participate in the survey via a linked form. A portion, two-thirds, of questionnaires were also administered to patients in the traditional paper form. Results. The survey was completed by 224 clinicians (54 oncologists, 78 radiotherapists, and 92 cancer surgeons) and 249 patients. The results indicate a favourable attitude for patients in favour of a new language (cured vs. complete remission) of the disease experience. Conclusions. The use of the word cured is substantially accepted and equally shared by doctors and patients. Its use can facilitate the elimination of metaphoric implications and toxic cancer-related connotations registered in all cultures that discourage patients from viewing cancer as a disease with varied outcomes, including cure.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the perception and use of the word "cure" among a group of physicians and cancer patients. The results showed that patients had a positive attitude towards a new language (cured vs. complete remission) of the disease experience. The use of the word cured can help eliminate metaphoric implications and toxic cancer-related connotations, encouraging patients to view cancer as a disease with varied outcomes, including cure.