Turning the Crisis into acalls: Promoting/Taming Cancer Misinformation
The fight against cancer misinformation is no longer just an academic exercise; it’s a vital tool in the fight against cancer itself. At the event, Dr. Skyler Johnson, an Assistant Professor at the University of Utah, addressed participants by empowerment them to address the impacts, challenges, and opportunities of cancer misinformation. Her discussion underscored the importance of informed decision-making and highlighted how cancer misinformation can be a symptom of a much bigger issue.
The Current Landscape of Cancer Misinformation
Johnson begins her talk by laying out the current landscape of cancer misinformation. She points out that this landscape is both complex and largely misunderstood. She acknowledges the existence of two primary types of misinformation: the “bad” type, which is used by procauseammers to manipulate public perception, and the “good” type, which is used by crINOs to harm innocent individuals. Despite these efforts, the spread remains mostly untethered, often defying traditional boundaries.
Learning Strategies for Dealing with Cancer Misinformation
Dr. Johnson then dives into how to effectively address cancer misinformation. She provides insights into identifying the source of misinformation, assessing its impact on patients and communities, and developing strategies to address or mitigate its effects. She emphasizes the importance of educational resources, immediate action concerted with patient communication, and the need for global consensus in combating this issue. Her insights resonate with both researchers and policymakers involved in cancer care.
The Role of Expertise
One of the key themes that comes up in Johnson’s speech is the importance of expertise in combating cancer misinformation. She references her medical journey, from Michigan State to Yale and beyond. She also mentions her many firsthand experiences with the effects of cancer misinformation, such as how it led to significant medical consequences. Her commitment to patient care and research underscores the crucial role that experts play in identifying and addressing misinformation.
The Future of Cancer Communication
Johnson also discusses the future of cancer communication, focusing on strategies to mitigate its impact. She likely talked about increased education, the need for standardized approaches, and the importance of empowering patients and their families to seek information. She acknowledged the rising professional standards in cancer research, but also dismissed the idea that this is sufficient. She often referred to Makales and other marginalized voices as the true solution, suggesting that coalitions of experts are needed to eliminate discrimination and safeguard dignity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Johnson emphasized that the fight against cancer misinformation is not just about avoiding the pain of its effects but about creating context—one that is informed, free from lies, and broken free from harmful information. She stressed the importance of maintaining dignity and recognizing that even those we care about face this information daily. Her talk was a vivid reminder that storytelling about cancer misinformation is a tool we can use to inform more patients and communities.