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Iranian Journal of Breast Diseases
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Department of Midwifery, TeMS.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran , solmaz.roshandel@iau.ac.ir
Abstract: (27 Views)
Dear Editor,
I would like to raise an important point regarding scientific language and ethical communication in breast cancer–related publications. In many scientific articles, including some published in recent issues of the journal (1, 2), the term “breast cancer patients” continues to be used to refer to individuals undergoing diagnosis, treatment, or post-treatment follow-up. Although this terminology is widely used in the medical literature, it may not fully capture these individuals’ lived experiences, personal identities, and psychosocial needs.
In recent years, the concept of “cancer survivors” has gained increasing prominence in the scientific literature and supportive care practice. Cancer survivorship refers to an individual's experience from the time of diagnosis through the remainder of life and encompasses the physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences of cancer and its treatment. According to the definition provided by the National Cancer Institute’s Office of Cancer Survivorship, cancer survivors are not limited to individuals who have completed treatment; rather, the term includes all people living with cancer across the disease continuum, from early-stage disease to advanced and metastatic cancer. Furthermore, the concept of survivorship extends beyond affected individuals to include their caregivers and family members. Survivorship care begins at diagnosis and continues throughout the cancer trajectory, aiming to prevent, monitor, and manage treatment-related effects; promote healthy behaviors; coordinate healthcare services; provide psychosocial support; and address financial challenges. Similarly, survivorship research focuses on understanding and mitigating the physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences of cancer, improving the quality of care, and enhancing survivors’ quality of life (3, 4).
In breast cancer, survivorship has become a fundamental component of contemporary clinical management. Notably, survivorship care guidelines developed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) use the term “breast cancer survivors” when outlining care recommendations following diagnosis. This reflects a paradigm shift from an exclusive focus on active treatment toward the long-term management of health and well-being across the cancer continuum (5).
I would like to raise an important point regarding scientific language and ethical communication in breast cancer–related publications. In many scientific articles, including some published in recent issues of the journal (1, 2), the term “breast cancer patients” continues to be used to refer to individuals undergoing diagnosis, treatment, or post-treatment follow-up. Although this terminology is widely used in the medical literature, it may not fully capture these individuals’ lived experiences, personal identities, and psychosocial needs.
In recent years, the concept of “cancer survivors” has gained increasing prominence in the scientific literature and supportive care practice. Cancer survivorship refers to an individual's experience from the time of diagnosis through the remainder of life and encompasses the physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences of cancer and its treatment. According to the definition provided by the National Cancer Institute’s Office of Cancer Survivorship, cancer survivors are not limited to individuals who have completed treatment; rather, the term includes all people living with cancer across the disease continuum, from early-stage disease to advanced and metastatic cancer. Furthermore, the concept of survivorship extends beyond affected individuals to include their caregivers and family members. Survivorship care begins at diagnosis and continues throughout the cancer trajectory, aiming to prevent, monitor, and manage treatment-related effects; promote healthy behaviors; coordinate healthcare services; provide psychosocial support; and address financial challenges. Similarly, survivorship research focuses on understanding and mitigating the physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences of cancer, improving the quality of care, and enhancing survivors’ quality of life (3, 4).
In breast cancer, survivorship has become a fundamental component of contemporary clinical management. Notably, survivorship care guidelines developed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) use the term “breast cancer survivors” when outlining care recommendations following diagnosis. This reflects a paradigm shift from an exclusive focus on active treatment toward the long-term management of health and well-being across the cancer continuum (5).
Given the importance of this issue, I respectfully suggest that authors, editors, and scientific journals consider using the term “breast cancer survivors” rather than “breast cancer patients” in studies addressing quality of life, psychosocial outcomes, long-term care, and survivorship-related issues, unless the primary focus of the article is specifically on active treatment or acute disease management. Although this linguistic change may appear subtle, it has the potential to enhance ethical sensitivity, foster more person-centered scientific communication, and acknowledge the lived experiences of those affected by breast cancer.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope that this suggestion will contribute to the continued refinement of scientific language and the advancement of person-centered communication in breast cancer research and practice.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope that this suggestion will contribute to the continued refinement of scientific language and the advancement of person-centered communication in breast cancer research and practice.
Keywords: breas cancer, Survivorship
Type of Study: Letter to Editor |
Subject:
Diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation
Received: 2026/06/5 | Accepted: 2026/08/11
Received: 2026/06/5 | Accepted: 2026/08/11
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