Dr. Julia Burnier and her team have published a distinguished commentary in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (Impact Factor 42), co-authored with individuals who have lived an experience with cancer. The article challenges problematic language in scientific writing and advocates for more inclusive, compassionate, and patient-centered research practices:听
About the development of this initiative, Dr. Burnier shares: "Years ago, with support from the CIHR, I joined the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer's Patient Involvement in Cancer Research Program (PIP), through the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance. That experience quietly but profoundly shifted how I think about patient partnership and its importance in truly patient-centric research.听Over time, those early conversations grew into lasting collaborations with patient partners鈥攎any of whom have generously shared their insights and challenged us to think more deeply and inclusively. This eventually led me to form a working group committed to improving how we communicate and collaborate in cancer research. We have been meeting regularly for almost 2 years".
Dr. Burnier further expresses: "This article addresses problematic language in scientific writing鈥攖erms that can unintentionally blame, dehumanize, or reduce people to their diagnosis. What makes this paper especially meaningful is how it was created: through real partnership, open discussion, and co-writing. It's not just a commentary but a call to action. It鈥檚 a small step, but we hope it contributes to a broader shift toward more inclusive, compassionate, and accessible science".
For further information on this:听Engaging patients in research,听
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