Language can give people the power to take an active part in their own health care, or it can create barriers. Effective communication raises awareness about diseases and is key to delivering good care to patients. Yet in many African settings, this aspect of care is often overlooked.
Take cancer, for example. Understanding how cancer is discussed in various languages and cultural contexts is crucial. Better communication about the disease can reduce fear and stigma, improve patient outcomes and promote more informed decision-making.
The cancer burden in Africa is rising at a faster rate than anywhere else in the world. In a region where around 2,000 languages are spoken, the way cancer is communicated is important. I am an epidemiologist and global health researcher who recently coauthored a paper about the way cancer terminology is expressed in African languages.
The findings suggest that translations of key terms, including "cancer," "malignant," "chronic" and "radiotherapy," commonly conveyed elements of fear and tragedy. The words used may contribute to fear, health disparities and barriers to care, and pose communication difficulties for health professionals . The results reinforce the need for culturally sensitive cancer terminology.
This would improve cancer awareness and communication. For cancer patients , the words used to describe their diagnosis and treatment can affect how they perceive their condition, their willingness to seek treatment, and their interaction .
