Narratives of illness and the language of healing: bridging literary studies, linguistics and cancer care

This study investigates how linguistic structures and metaphorical frameworks in patient narratives shape coping strategies, emotional resilience and agency among people living with cancer. Semistructured interviews with 10 participants were analysed thematically, revealing four key patterns: rejection of militaristic metaphors in favour of journey-based narratives, narrative coherence and identity reconstruction, cognitive reframing and meaning-making, and the role of social support in emotional regulation. Illustrative participant quotes demonstrate how individuals actively reshape their illness stories to assert agency, integrate emotional experiences and maintain psychological stability. Findings highlight the influence of language and metaphor on patient well-being, showing that narrative framing and emotional agency are closely intertwined with relational and clinical communication outcomes. These insights provide actionable guidance for clinicians, suggesting that adopting narrative-sensitive and metaphor-sensitive approaches can enhance patient engagement, emotional adaptation and culturally sensitive care. This study underscores the value of integrating qualitative narrative analysis into oncology practice, offering an empirically grounded framework for interventions that support patient empowerment and holistic care.