When well-known personalities talk about their illnesses, it can reduce prejudices, but it can also increase fears.
The actors Angelina Jolie, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Nora Tschirner, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig, the former US Senator John McCain and singer Kylie Minogue - they all made their serious illness public.
Dr. Elisabeth Jentschke, head of psycho-oncological care at the Würzburg Oncology Center, thinks this is good: “It can encourage other sufferers to deal openly with their illness.”
Bringing more attention to an illness
Flashback: In May 2013, Angelina Jolie made it public that she had had both breasts removed. In an article in the New York Times , Jolie wrote that she carries a gene that greatly increases her risk of breast cancer.
The removal reduced her risk of developing breast cancer. A study in the specialist magazine “Health Education” examined the “Angelina Jolie effect”. Result: In the months after Jolie's publication, significantly more women had themselves tested for that gene and received advice at breast cancer centers.
Examples from celebrities can help break down taboos and bring more attention to an illness. Example of depression: When Nora Tschirner or Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, as those affected, speak publicly about this condition, it shows that depression can also affect people who are successful in their careers and are respected in society.
Battled that beast more than once. Us men to be proud to ask for help. Speak up, ask for help & you're never alone. See at the top one day. https://t.co/peShvN0YrP
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) November 20, 2016
Advice centers catch false information
On the other hand, reports from celebrities about their illnesses run the risk of triggering fears in those affected. Many people then get information on the Internet and are often further unsettled as a result, observes psycho-oncologist Elisabeth Jentschke:
“Affected people understandably look for information everywhere and don’t want to do anything wrong ,” says the psycho-oncologist.
“If professional advice centers cannot catch false information, damage can result.”
Source: The health magazine “Apotheken Umschau” 10B/2021 is currently available in most pharmacies.
Notes:
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