Phelan questions use of terms such as 'cancer warrior' and 'fighter'

"Just because somebody dies from cancer, maybe after six months or a year, does it mean they didn’t fight it as well as anybody else?" said Vicky Phelan  Photo: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

Cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan has warned that well-meaning words of encouragement like "cancer warrior" or "battler" or "fighter" can increase the pressure on newly diagnosed patients who are feeling vulnerable and scared.

Ms Phelan, from Annacotty, Co Limerick was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014.