Discussion World Cancer Day (Feb 4) and the Suffering Industrial Complex (SIC)

[Depressed Cat]

World Cancer Day is observed on the 4th of February every year.

This year was no different. You had the mainstream media carry loads of articles about heroic survivors of cancer (usually celebrities), a few articles on scientific research into possible cures for certain forms of cancer, some on the known carcinogens and substances that're known to exhibit anti-carcinogenic properties and the very rare piece calling for enhanced palliative care for those dying of cancer.

However, as much as I searched (and search I did), I could not find a single article in the mainstream media calling for the legalisation of assisted suicide and euthanasia for those dying of cancer in countries/territories where it is not currently legal.

I think this is deliberate and by design. The mainstream media are part of, or beneficiaries of the suffering industrial complex (SIC) that profits immensely off the terminally ill who are dying a slow and painful death from cancer. This suffering industrial complex (SIC) consists of hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, medical equipment manufacturers, hospices and palliative care providers, insurance companies, religious establishments, governments and regimes. Doctors, nurses and technicians work for this SIC. Mainstream media and journalists are part of, or benefit from this SIC.

Now, don't get me wrong! There are many forms of cancer and some are definitely curable with the existing medical technology and others can be managed with appropriate treatment, especially if detected early. I'm all for finding a cure for all types of cancer at any stage. This condition deserves to be wiped out as soon as it is detected.

At the same time, I cannot but help think of those dying of advanced stages of the disease. Their pain and suffering tends to be intolerable, their quality of life gradually deteriorates to a point of no return, some treatments (such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy) cause even more suffering and they die slow, drawn out, painful and heart-wrenching deaths. I have seen this first hand with my best friend's dad who died of thyroid cancer.

Those with advanced stages of cancer certainly don't deserve to die in such a painful and slow manner. Only a few countries/territories allow assisted suicide and euthanasia for the terminally ill and even then there are so many conditions to be met and bureaucratic hurdles to overcome. Even in such countries, the SIC exerts an influence to deny them peaceful and dignified deaths.

In the rest of the world, the less said the better! The suffering industrial complex is very strong in such places and they immediately shut down anyone suggesting the legalisation of assisted suicide and euthanasia. As a result, if one is unfortunate enough to live in such places, there is no alternative to suffering very slow and extremely painful deaths.

The suffering industrial complex is an entire ecosystem profiting insanely off the dying and its not a wonder that this SIC entity wants to deny a peaceful, painless and dignified death to those who suffer from incurable terminal conditions.

What are your thoughts on this suffering industrial complex?

 

[D&D]

In the world ruled by profit, each and every aspect of human condition will be subjected to it and measured by it ... from industries catering to pre-born/new-born/babies/children to old/ill/dead. Funeral industry is no small feat. Nor is everlasting youth beauty industry.

That said, my view is that each and every person unfortunate enough to suffer from incurable terminal condition has right to make a choice. Providing the choice really is a choice. By that I mean not only that the person is fully cognizant and free from any pressures (including from family) but also that the choice is between sufficient/decent palliative care and peaceful/painless death.

I am living in a place where terminally ill people are able to request assisted dying. The hurdles are there to prevent abuse. Including from overly eager benefactors.