Cancer and the body: Reflections from a Lacanian perspective

Abstract

This paper discusses psychotherapeutic work with cancer patients using a Lacanian approach to illness. In the first part of the paper, some of Lacan's notions of the body are discussed. In the second half, Lacan's understanding of the body is used to show how an appreciation of Lacan's work might enhance clinical/psychotherapeutic work with cancer patients.

Keywords:

• Cancer
• Lacan
• psychotherapy
• body