The recent revelation that Dolly Parton's death followed a brief, undisclosed battle with cancer has brought attention to the complex reasons why some individuals, including public figures, opt to keep their health struggles private.
Dr. Kristin Higgins, chief clinical officer at City of Hope Cancer Center in Atlanta, suggested that Parton may have wished to be remembered for her "amazing career" rather than a late-life diagnosis. Higgins noted that withholding a diagnosis can be a "very natural response" as patients grapple with the overwhelming nature of the news. "It's very natural to cling to that identity of being a healthy, vibrant person without a diagnosis of cancer," she told Fox News Digital. Patients often need time to adjust to the idea of having the disease before sharing it with friends and family.
Stigma and Shame
In some instances, a diagnosis may be kept secret due to feelings of shame or embarrassment. Higgins pointed out that certain cancers, particularly those linked to tobacco use, can unfortunately carry a stigma. This can lead patients to feel self-blame, even though "nobody deserves a cancer diagnosis."
Benefits of Disclosure
Despite the reasons for privacy, Higgins highlighted the significant benefits of eventually sharing a cancer diagnosis. Informing friends, family, and a wider community can generate crucial support systems. For those with strong religious beliefs, publicizing a diagnosis can lead to prayers and spiritual support throughout treatment. "I think overall, it's a very beneficial thing to eventually tell as many people as possible so you can get that support," Higgins stated.
Sharing a cancer journey can also raise awareness and offer encouragement to others facing similar challenges. "If you are somebody with a cancer diagnosis and you're beating it and you are going through treatment successfully, other people seeing that — whether it's on social media or hearing it through a friend — that can be really helpful to an individual as they're facing a new cancer diagnosis," she explained.
Furthermore, disclosing a cancer diagnosis can open doors to more treatment options. Higgins emphasized the importance of clinical trials in improving cancer survival rates and noted that information about these trials is not always easy to find. A larger network of aware individuals can act as "cheerleaders," potentially providing more information and diverse opinions on where to seek the best cancer treatment.
Hope in Treatment
Higgins concluded with a message of hope, stating that "70% of people diagnosed with cancer will survive five years or more." She stressed that with collective support and increased awareness, overcoming a cancer diagnosis is achievable. "I think that's the beauty of sharing this diagnosis with the world, is that we can get all the support we need."