How To Talk To Someone With Cancer | Katie Deming | TEDxReno

As a radiation oncologist and health care leader, Dr. Deming has worked for decades with cancer patients to create optimal health outcomes. With increased experience, she had the epiphany that the language synonymous with cancer (fighting a battle, winning and losing, survivor, etc) can have detrimental emotional, physiological, and mental implications on a patients' ability to heal. A cancer diagnosis is a life-changing and overwhelming experience, but amendments to the way we speak about cancer could permanently change the cancer journey from fighting to healing. Dr. Deming makes a compelling argument against the use of “battle language'' and offers a path to healing with our words. Dr. Deming is a board-certified radiation oncologist, researcher, inventor, and physician leader. She completed her medical training at Duke University and has cared for thousands of patients with cancer over almost two decades. As a leader, Dr. Deming has served in leadership positions such as Chief of Oncology and Cancer Service Line Medical Director. She is responsible for designing, launching and leading an end-to-end cancer service line for one of the largest healthcare systems in the United States. She is also the host of the “Born to Heal Podcast with Dr. Katie Deming” and founder of “MAKEMERRY”, a line of intimates for women with sensitive skin caused by radiation treatments for breast cancer. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@med7455]

Excellent! As a radiation oncologist, this really speaks to me. I especially hate the idea of fighting cancer. While I pray that all my patients will be cured, I know that isn’t the reality. When can they put their arms down and be at peace? Family and friends who insist that they “keep fighting and never give up” deny them the chance to talk about their feelings, and to say their goodbyes.

[@melendrez1012]

Hoping someone can help us ,my boyfriend have non hodgkins lymphoma ,where done in chemo but cannot proceed to radiation because of financial problems ,hope its not too late Now i choose to live him alone to work and save for his radiaton Please help us

[@carolinacastillo9383]

Inspiring talk Katie! My Dad passed away from lung cancer and when it was discovered it was already in the last stage so he didn’t last long. In hand sight I’m glad he didn’t suffer for long…I agree with the message of your talk. The way doctors speak definitely causes a psychological impression in patients and family alike! Wishing your talk reaches millions and spreads the seed for change! ❤️❤️❤️

[@Teri_Head]

I’m living with a rare non Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Thank you for this. It explains a lot about the inner turmoil I feel and how I respond/react to others. The struggle is real. I treat at mdanderson Houston and I don’t hear language like this.

[@winstonfaircloth1251]

A beautiful message of hope and healing. Your mom is a great example of both.

[@hallyha]

My mum has started her journey and I stumbled on the video. It’s not coincidence but my brother and sisters are fearful for our mother and we need clarity and support. Thank you for your tedtalk.

[@aallsopp]

Hope your mother is doing well, sending thoughts to you all. Stay strong!

[@drminako5628]

So powerful and helpful. Thank you.

[@dawnbouapha562]

So powerful. 🙌 Thank you!❤

[@mindshiftwithmakk]

Awesome talk Katie! So excited to share this!

[@reshandayates9009]

Absolutely beautiful talk. Thank you so much for sharing your perspective, research, and personal experience to help us better support those we love through healing. I got chills at the end. This talk is so important.

[@AMentorway4u]

WOW. Total Respect for your words, actions and heartfelt personal story .

[@JustJess44]

So beautiful Katie, thank you❤️

[@aprilhyduk2604]

Omg that was amazing…. The tears when your mom said what she did to your sister and family 🤗💕. Such a great message Dr Deming!

[@almabarrero6435]

The most amazing TED talk. Thank you for the work you do and for this important message Dr. Katie Deming.

[@angelanoelle8888]

Wow, what a powerful, impactful talk. You are doing such great work in the world!

[@chelseaarns9618]

Katie, you’re doing incredible work. You w sparked a conversation that will help so many🤍

[@jenletourneau9089]

Dr. Deming, this is so important and provides perspective to me for how I talk to patients about non-cancer diagnoses too!

[@estherkershaw6394]

amazing. had to watch this slowly because it was so impactful on how to communicate better with patients on a level that is positive and empowering

[@kateherford3560]

Healing ….. such a powerful word that give hope for a future so different from where a person is. It’s amazing how words can open up differing realities dependent on a persons experience.

[@melendrez1012]

Hoping someone can help us ,my boyfriend have non hodgkins lymphoma ,where done in chemo but cannot proceed to radiation because of financial problems ,hope its not too late Now i live him alone to work and save for his radiation Please help us

[@BretSimmons]

Great job, Katie!

[@remileeandco]

Really well done Katie.

[@jakkibos]

Wow. I heard you loud and clear. Thank you.

[@melendrez1012]

Hoping someone can help us ,my boyfriend have non hodgkins lymphoma ,where done in chemo but cannot proceed to radiation because of financial problems ,hope its not too late Now i live him alone to work and save for his radiation Please help us

[@snehamandala]

I haven't come across such a powerful personal talk that is as moving as it is insightful in a long time. Great job, Katie!

[@snehamandala]

@Jeongok Park Yes her unique experience has helped shape the talk to be more powerful.

[@martam518]

Words have power !!!

[@jungundkrebs3803]

Thanks Katie!

[@ShandoraLife]

This is so important to hear! Thank you for this important message! And letting it go far beyond talking to patients. What a synchronicity your mother saying this. It also brought me tears. Healing is a beautiful process. It can bring grace, like everything, when we stop fighting. I love this Ted Talk. ❤️❤️❤️.

[@melendrez1012]

Hoping someone can help us ,my boyfriend have non hodgkins lymphoma ,where done in chemo but cannot proceed to radiation because of financial problems ,hope its not too late Now i live him alone to work and save for his radiation Please help us

[@Bentleymicrofinance]

Beautiful TED talk! This is a message that everyone needs to hear. Thank you for sharing such an important message with our society.

[@paulparsons1401]

Thank you

[@withgratitude2328]

Great talk.

[@mosesperaza2763]

Interesting, I have Stage 4 cancer, and I do consider myself a cancer survivor. My cancer is going away, and I don't know if it will come back. I have decided I will not live in fear. It is all a matter of perspective. My heart goes out to those who have Stage 4 cancer. My you all recover.

[@Patience7813]

Isaiah 41:10 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18❤❤

[@cinziadonti]

❤

[@sylvianegastaldo-xl3ni]

⛅

[@Kiki-wi7px]

No Matter W-H-A-T "Diagnosis" and or "Prognosis" We Get, GOD Has the FINAL SAY. HAVE FAITH "🙏🏼" and a POSITIVE "👍🏻" ATTITUDE.

[@simimathew1743]

😍😍

[@user-vw3ci6ig2b]

THANKS REAL WORLD'S VOICE OF GOD'S WORD THANKS TO CHRIST JESUS PRAYERS FOR REPENTANCE NOW 🙏 HEALING