Life Characterizing cancer as a ‘war’ assumes it can be won. Is that too simple? October 7, 2021October 7, 2021 Alia E. Dastagir, USA TODAY Comments Off on Characterizing cancer as a ‘war’ assumes it can be won. Is that too simple? Many people living with cancer find fighting metaphors empowering, but others say they contribute to feelings of stress and inadequacy.