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What does a cancer diagnosis mean for a Deaf person and their family?

How can interpreters navigate the complex medical terminology and emotional weight of oncology appointments?

What strategies can support both accurate interpretation and interpreter wellbeing in this setting?

In this BSL webinar, you’ll gain a fundamental understanding of oncology, guided by a Deaf professional with lived experience of cancer who leads the national Deaf Cancer Support Project.

You’ll explore the basic biology of cancer, learn how to handle oncology-specific terminology and jargon, and reflect on the challenges of interpreting in sensitive healthcare contexts.

Alongside technical knowledge, this training also highlights the importance of professional practice and self-care when working in emotionally demanding medical settings.

This webinar will develop your abilities in the following areas:

Knowledge & Understanding 

• Explain what cancer is in clear terms, including the biology of cell growth, tumours, and metastasis.

• Recognise and understand oncology-related terminology and jargon used by healthcare professionals.

• Identify differences between similar medical terms (e.g. benign vs malignant).

• Understand the emotional and psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis on patients and families.

Interpreting Skills

• Accurately interpret oncology-specific terminology into accessible BSL concepts.

• Apply strategies where direct BSL equivalents for jargon do not exist.

• Clarify meaning while maintaining professional boundaries.

• Adapt interpretation style to suit patient language preference, health literacy, and emotional state.

Professional Practice & Self-Care

• Recognise challenges and stresses of interpreting in oncology.

• Apply self-care strategies to manage emotional impact and avoid vicarious trauma.

• Reflect on practice and know when to seek supervision or debriefing.

• Maintain ethical standards and confidentiality in sensitive medical contexts.

👉 Learn more about the Macmillan Deaf Cancer Support Project here: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help/emotional-help/macmillan-deaf-cancer-support-project