Objectivity and Right Perception are not things that come to mind when you have just been told you have cancer, yet they are components to building an effective response to a serious cancer diagnosis.

Cancer. A word that alone evokes a storm of emotions and fears. Most often, our perception of a cancer diagnosis is shrouded in layers of misconceptions and hearsay. As someone deeply entrenched in the battle against cancer, I’ve observed how crucial it is to confront these perceptions with a disciplined approach to first see things as they are, not as they might be. This article highlights the importance of finding your discipline and objectivity when hearing those words “I am sorry but you have cancer.” It is my aim at the very least to help you reshape your understanding of cancer, and lead you to become more effective in responding to the word cancer – see cancer for what it really is – an obstacle in your path to a healthy life – to help you become an empowered patient.

When facing cancer, the initial reaction is often one of shock and fear, influenced by years of societal myths and personal beliefs. However, stepping back and viewing the diagnosis objectively is the first step in regaining control. Objectivity here means separating fact from fiction, and understanding the diagnosis based on evidence, not fear. It’s about observing the reality: “I have cancer,” and setting aside the subjective judgments: “This is the end.” The problem almost newly diagnosed patients face is they have no idea how to disseminate facts from societal fictions, let alone a healthcare system mired in prejudices that do not align with today’s patient reality.

Perception, while inherently subjective, shapes our response to a diagnosis. If our perception is built on misinformation, it transforms cancer into a mythical monster, rather than a medical condition that can be confronted, broken down, and managed. The challenge, therefore, lies in reconstructing our perceptions on a foundation of facts, reality, and possibilities.

The concept of ‘The Empowered Patient’ becomes pivotal here. By fostering objectivity, we empower patients to develop an accurate perception of their condition. It’s not about minimizing the severity of cancer but about understanding it in its true form. This clarity enables patients to break down cancer as the obstacle it is, developing robust perceptions based upon the discipline of removing shadows and hearsay and replacing them with understanding and direction. To make informed decisions and build “right actions”, and become more effective in navigating their response.

Developing the Discipline of Objectivity: Learn to distinguish between the factual aspects of your diagnosis and the emotional reactions it provokes is vitally important.

It is also a very emotionally challenging task as you negotiate a terrain built from well-meaning societal and professional biases and prejudices founded in the conveniences of both society acceptance and the business of healthcare systems and cost/profit aspirations.

The Skill of Cancer Perception: Building the “Right Cancer Diagnosis Perception” on top of the right understanding of your diagnosis – “My Cancer Diagnosis is an Obstacle.” Owning your own Cancer Perception will transition you to becoming an “Empowered Patient” and set your attitude and direction for better outcomes.

Formulating Right Actions: Use your understanding to make informed decisions about your treatment and care, becoming an active participant in your health journey.

Through the power of translational cancer and genomic science, and by providing a framework for patient disciplines, my goal is to demystify and simplify complex concepts into practical tools. Emphasizing that ‘Right Perceptions drive Right Decisions and Actions and unleash the almost immeasurable powerhouse of inner willingness.’

Grappling with the reality of a serious cancer diagnosis is the first step leading to more empowered perceptions of the obstacle of cancer. This is what we must do as patients – we must find a way to make informed, decisive actions, tapping into the strength of will, our essential fuel for navigating the cancer journey with resilience and determination.

While science tirelessly works towards tomorrow’s cures, our focus must remain on utilizing today’s knowledge for the benefit of those battling cancer now. Remember, there is no absolute certainty in life or science, just possibilities. By embracing objectivity and reshaping our perceptions, we not only put cancer in its place but also pave the way for a healthcare system that evolves to truly serve its patients. As we empower each patient, we’re not just fighting a disease; we’re transforming the very landscape of healthcare, one empowered journey at a time.

In line with my driving principle, ‘Empower the Patient – Increase Survival,’ this article advocates for a paradigm where the empowerment of each patient directly contributes to improved survival rates. The logic is straightforward yet profound: the more empowered the patients, the greater the improvement in survival outcomes.

This article illuminates the pathway required to improve health outcomes, building the bridge between science, medicine, and the patient and ultimately reshaping healthcare into a system that truly serves those at its heart. This is the essence of empowerment — not just fighting a disease but redefining the approach to treatment and care, today and into the future.

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