The Lancet published a commentary calling for fundamental changes in how healthcare providers use language when treating rare diseases. The piece, authored by commissioners from Rare Diseases International and The Lancet Commission on Rare Diseases, highlights the need for more empathetic communication practices across the healthcare system.
An estimated 300 million people worldwide live with rare diseases, facing significant challenges including diagnostic difficulties, lack of available therapies, and fragmented care. These patients often experience isolation and stigma while being forced to become experts in their own conditions due to the rarity of their diseases.