[Metaphors and Power. A Qualitative Study of Metaphorical Thinking Among Danish Cancer Patients]

The use of metaphors concerning cancer was investigated by interviewing nine Danish cancer patients, aged 30-85 years. Metaphors about the disease were widely used, e.g. personification metaphors. Most patients considered their cancer as a metaphor for a physical and psychological imbalance in the period before the disease. Some patients felt responsible for the disease. The metaphors of cancer patients should be considered when communicating with cancer patients.