How Does a Cancer Patient Participate in Group Activities?: Based on Narratives of Mr. B Who Leads a Lung Cancer Patient Group in Prefecture A

Abstract

This article discusses how cancer patients currently participate in group activities in the aftermath of the implementation of the Cancer Control Act. Based on narratives of Mr. B, who leads a lung cancer patient group in Prefecture A, he is deemed as “a person who supports others” in group activities. Additionally, he invites cancer patients and their families to the activities and encourages them to disclose their cancer experiences to the society. His activities are also interpreted as the birth of a social movement with reference to the arguments made about “social movement over medicine.” Accordingly, this article highlights that cancer patients’ group activities may not “always appear visible” and should be the subject of future examination.