I had never heard of cancer ghosting and so I was somewhat appalled to learn that it’s prevalent enough to earn itself an actual name, and an article. The term means just what you might imagine it might; it describes how some people disappear when their friends or family come out with a cancer diagnosis.
It is a huge issue. Near as I can tell, it's about 80% men bailing on their female wives/companions. In my melanoma group of around 2,500 people, all either melanoma patients, survivors, or caregivers, I see 1 or 2 posts every damn week from women whose men have ghosted them. I've been a part of this group for 12 years, and I can count on one hand the number of men ghosted by their women. And I can't remember the last time a man posted on it. Now, perhaps men are less likely to admit that they are suddenly alone and very scared, so perhaps the numbers are more 70/30-ish, but it's real and it's brutal.
Or as Gotye would sing, “Now you’re just somebody that I used to know.” You’re welcome for that earworm.
Great read! I am always torn about privacy…this has been an eye-opening read. Thank you! And Happy Holidays!
Thanks Joyce. The whole privacy issue adds another layer.
It is a huge issue. Near as I can tell, it's about 80% men bailing on their female wives/companions. In my melanoma group of around 2,500 people, all either melanoma patients, survivors, or caregivers, I see 1 or 2 posts every damn week from women whose men have ghosted them. I've been a part of this group for 12 years, and I can count on one hand the number of men ghosted by their women. And I can't remember the last time a man posted on it. Now, perhaps men are less likely to admit that they are suddenly alone and very scared, so perhaps the numbers are more 70/30-ish, but it's real and it's brutal.
That’s brutal David. I can’t imagine