Agreement: I Agree Body: Dear Editor Nadimpally BMJ 2026;394:e652927 reports that she resisted the language that surrounds cancer and never felt that she was battling. However my experience with the disease and through 50 years of working with patient groups is that for too many patients dealing with the illness, it is, if not a battle, it is at least a struggle. For many it is a struggle to be seen and diagnosed in a suitable time, (approximately one third of patients being diagnosed in A&E) then there is dealing with the illness and treatments and finally returning to if not to normal, then to some altered form of oneself. It is important to realise that cancer experiences are as individual as the patient themselves, there are many different coping styles and it is essential that those who support patients enable them to develop coping skills which suit them best. Eric Watts, Retired haematologist, previously medical adviser to the National Cancer Self Help and Support Groups 1994 - 20012 Watts, E. (2020). ‘Doctor-patient communication: learning from patient experience to improve services’, RCPL Commentary, 1, pp.25-26. Watts E (2020) Patient supporting one another: the evolution of Cancer self help and support groups RCPL Commentary 1, p27 Available online at - February2020Commentaryonline - FlowPaper FlipBook No competing Interests: Yes The following competing Interests: Electronic Publication Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026 - 10:30 AI use: No, I have not used AI Highwire Comment Subject: Healing beyond medical treatment Workflow State: Released Full Title: Re: Healing beyond medical treatment Highwire Comment Response to: Healing beyond medical treatment Check this box if you would like your letter to appear anonymously:: Last Name: Watts First name and middle initial: Eric Email: eric.watts4@btinternet.com Address: 148 Whirlowdale Road Occupation: Physician (retd) Affiliation: BMA member BMJ: Additional Article Info: Rapid response Twitter: Dr Know