Allegory - "spread like a cancer" - how do you feel about it, your reaction

Wow! I don't know how I
Wow! I don't know how I feel about it. I've never thought about it before. It does seem insensitive, even though unintentionally so.

Cancer
My first thought is the lyrics in the song by Simon and Garfunkel "Sound of Silence" .

"Fools" said I, "You do not know
Silence like a cancer grows.".....

I have heard that phrase used "spread like a cancer" and it didn't bother me as spreading is what cancer does. I have had cancer for such a long, long time I've become immune to any reference done by other people. I am the first to talk about it if someone wants to know.

Hope your doing ok, New Flower and wishing you a good Thanksgiving,

Doris

laughs_a_lot said:

Never
thought of it much. However, the saying may be becomming outdated if it is meant that the evil (other thing) spreads quickly. With the advances in treatment some of the spread of cancer itself has slowed down. So now the meaning of "spread like cancer" may also take on a newer meaning. I can see how some would take offense at this.

Laughs_a_lot
I dislike disagree with you but some cancers still are very fast growing and some are very slow (ER+ like mine...slow train). I am not certain that it is with the advances in treatment but the type one has.

I do agree with the evil spreads quickly though.

Best to you,

Doris

Rague said:

Many cancers are fast
Many cancers are fast growing and spread insidiously. Inflammatory Breast Cancer is one of those. Granted only between 1% and 5% of all breast cancer is Inflammatory but for those of us who are IBC it is very real with not a very good prognosis compared to all other types! It is in the skin and lymphatic system - thus potentially the entire body. It can literally not be there one day but there the next.

I see nothin wrong with the phrase 'spreads like a cancer'! Cancer is potentially deadly and it does spread unless it is attacked vigorously.

Spread like wildfire
The use of the word 'like' to compare different things is a literary device known as a simile, an allegory better describes an entire poem, story, or novel and often by the use of irony.

To be frank, I have never heard 'spread like cancer,' but am familiar with the idiom, 'spread like wildfire'.

I suspect that there is a certain sensitivity that we find ourselves living with as cancer survivors. Those of us that are mothers know we find ourselves 'tuned in' to small children to the point that when we hear "MOM" in a crowded market or mall we can't help but look about. It is human nature that we test new things against our past experiences.

I am reminded of the immortal words of Eleanor Roosevelt, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." I firmly believe when we choose to be offended by words we give away the personal knowledge of who we are.

Words are essential to our self-expression and necessary so that we can relate to one another. "Spread like cancer" is most likely a clumsy way to relate by the user, something that he/she finds very frightening. Who are we and what have we learned if we cannot extend a bit of grace from time to time?

Aw, darling...I'm sorry you are troubled....
There are many expressions that have become a part of our culture that, while seemingly harmless, can inadvertently affect someone in a negative way.

I am guilty of using some sayings that were just that...and then realized my mistake and apologized. I feel that it comes down not so much the expression, but the intent. If it was not planned for hurt, I just discard it, and don't take it to heart. If there WERE ulterior motives...then, I ACT and act FAST! Usually with a scathing remark or two...or, as with this saying, pause, and then say, in a calm voice, ..."You know, you are right about cancer...I have first-hand experience, not once, but twice!"...usually stops the comment from coming up again. At least around me.

BIG hugs to you, dearheart...of COURSE you are sensitized to this!!!! But I am fairly sure no harm was meant. Cancer IS a beast and DOES take all opportunities to do nasty things...so in that light, this expression does make sense when describing a terrible thing...

Hugs, Kathi

on kind of the same note:
on kind of the same note:

People make comments about handi cap parking. MY 2 good friends LOOK healthy but very very bad breathing issues. They can't not walk long distances-but to others looks like taking advantage of parking spot. (if have permit)

Denise