WOUB Public Media

Lifespan: Stories of Illness, Accident, and Recovery

WOUB Public Media

  • “Three Cancers/Two Cultures”

“Three Cancers/Two Cultures”

Tuesday 4th August 2020

Bernhard Debatin recounts his battle with three cancers, exploring cultural differences in healthcare between Germany and the US on Lifespan.
36 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate

About this podcast

Lifespan: Stories of Illness, Accident, and Recovery
Author:
WOUB Public Media
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Categories:
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Healing Relationships
Sobriety Success Stories
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
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Bernhard Debatin: Battling Cancer Across Continents

I cannot tell you how liberating for me it was to find this alternative metaphor that really explains in an incredibly precise way how a lot of cancer survivors feel and how I, in particular, have always felt about this and think about how differently the medical community would treat cancer if that was the metaphor very correct.
Ever thought about how culture and language can shape your medical journey? Bernhard Debatin’s story is a testament to this. Over the past 16 years, he’s faced not one, but three different types of cancer. His first bout was treated in Germany, and the other two in the United States. In this episode of Lifespan, Bernhard opens up about his experiences with these vastly different healthcare systems.
He dives into the trauma of being in the ICU and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with a cancer diagnosis. What’s truly fascinating is how he compares the cultural and linguistic differences between Germany and the US, and how these elements influenced his treatment and recovery. Bernhard also highlights the importance of advocacy in navigating the healthcare maze and shares his personal journey of rehabilitation.
This episode is a deep dive into the human side of medical trauma, offering insights into how we can better support those battling illness. It’s not just about surviving cancer; it’s about understanding the whole experience. Tune in for a story that’s both eye-opening and deeply human.