<p>“The only correct way to deal with cancer is to wage war against it.” This is how one could summarize the pervasive metaphor that shapes our thinking. This battle metaphor dominates public discourse, ourenvironment, and medicine, especially oncology. However, those affected are increasingly criticizing this metaphor because it does not empower them but rather puts them under additional pressure. From an interdisciplinary perspective combining medicine, linguistics, and spiritual care, this article examines how combative language influences doctorsʼ and patientsʼ understanding of cancer and explores available alternatives.</p><p>Finally, we advocate for a humanistic oncological language in which a joint dialogical struggle is possible, instead of cheering on a “cancer warrior”. This dialogical approach allows for a meaning-oriented understanding of illness that includes medical therapy. Narrative medicine, artistic forms of expression, dialogical competence, knowledge of existential situations, patient involvement, and spiritual care create spaces where subjectivity and questions of meaning can be expressed and discussed.</p>