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 https://www.ted.com/tedx