Abstract

Conceptual Engineering engineers concepts. But what should be done if concepts are fine but the language we use to express the concepts are not? This talk will present research in collaboration with Calum McHale, Gerry Humphris, and Mara van Beusekom in the school of Medicine on Fear of Cancer Recurrence, a concern that affects the psychological wellbeing of at least a fifth of cancer patients after successful cancer treatment. We will discuss the defectiveness of the term ‘Fear of Cancer Recurrence’ and how the use of language about this concern needs close attention to improve doctor-patient communication about mental health after successful cancer treatment.