Malignant: How Cancer Becomes Us

Malignant How Cancer Becomes Us

Malignant: How Cancer Becomes Us is a comprehensive exploration of the cancer epidemic in the United States, delving into the complex relationship between cancer and American society. The book, authored by S. Lochlann Jain, an esteemed professor of anthropology at Stanford University, was published in 2013. It offers a critical examination of how cancer impacts individuals and the nation as a whole, intertwining personal narratives, historical analysis, and a critique of the cancer industry.

Overview

Malignant: How Cancer Becomes Us argues that cancer is not just a biological disease but a societal condition, reflecting and shaping American cultural and economic landscapes. Jain explores how cancer is diagnosed, treated, and understood in the U.S., highlighting the intricate connections between the disease and aspects of American life, including capitalism, consumerism, and the healthcare system. The book examines the paradoxes within cancer care, research funding, and the pharmaceutical industry, revealing how these elements contribute to the complexity of the cancer experience.

Themes

The book covers several key themes:

• The Commercialization of Cancer: Jain discusses how cancer has become a profitable industry, with pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and non-profit organizations all playing roles in the commercialization of the disease.
• The Politics of Cancer Research: The allocation of funding for cancer research is scrutinized, with Jain arguing that it often reflects political and economic interests rather than scientific need or potential for breakthroughs.
• Cancer and Identity: The author explores how a cancer diagnosis affects individuals' identities and their relationships with others, including the stigmatization of certain cancers and the "warrior" narrative often encouraged in cancer discourse.
• Environmental and Lifestyle Factors: Jain addresses how lifestyle choices and environmental exposures contribute to cancer risk, critiquing simplistic narratives that blame individuals for their illness.

Critical Reception

Malignant: How Cancer Becomes Us has been praised for its insightful analysis and Jain's ability to weave together diverse elements into a coherent critique of the cancer epidemic. Critics have noted the book's contribution to discussions about healthcare, the pharmaceutical industry, and the societal impact of disease. However, some have pointed out that the book's broad scope sometimes leads to a dense and complex narrative.

Impact

The book has sparked discussions in academic and medical circles about the need to reconsider the approach to cancer treatment and research in the U.S. It has been used in courses related to medical anthropology, healthcare policy, and sociology, encouraging students to think critically about the intersection of disease, society, and culture.

See Also

• Cancer in the United States
• Healthcare in the United States
• Medical Anthropology
• Pharmaceutical Industry