The face of cancer

Ann Fam Med. 2003 May-Jun;1(1):52-4. doi: 10.1370/afm.9.

Abstract

Two voices tell the story of an evolving doctor-patient relationship. Seizures are the first indication of squamous cell lung cancer metastatic to the brain. Both doctor and patient describe the course of the illness, treatment, and remarkable recovery, each from his own perspective. The patient describes how the cancer became a creative as well as a destructive force, expressed in his painting and new approach to life. The essay concludes by discussing limitations of the biomedical model of disease in this case and the complex two-way nature of the healing relationship between doctor and patient.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Brain Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / rehabilitation
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / psychology*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / rehabilitation
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / secondary
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Lung Neoplasms / rehabilitation
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology
  • Physician-Patient Relations*