Cancer: beyond statistics, the social impact of the disease

Cancer Hidden disabilities Actionable steps Inclusive support

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Mounia El Kotni

Mounia El Kotni is an anthropologist specializing in women's health. She is co-author of the podcast and book "Im/patiente", a feminist exploration of breast cancer.

☞ Our conferences

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths, or 1 in 6 deaths, according to the World Health Organization.

While cancer often calls for a medical vocabulary (chemotherapy, mastectomy...), the human and social dimension of the disease is not to be overlooked, as cancer patients often experience loneliness and vulnerability. Discussing one's illness remains difficult, especially in the workplace.

This topic is however crucial: 5 years after a cancer diagnosis, 1 in 5 people have lost their job.

In this context, friends, family, and the corporate world all play a crucial role in providing the best possible support for the friend or colleague experiencing cancer.

Taking cancer out of the realm of the private sphere helps to avoid social and professional disruption for the patient and benefits us all.

During this conference, we will first look at the reality depicted by the figures and the many social impacts of cancer. Next, we will closely examine the experience of illness in the professional space, using breast cancer as an example. Lastly, we will consider actionable steps at the individual level to encourage inclusive support and prevent stigmatization.