Being Patient

by Na’ama Carlin, Louise Chappell, Siobhan O’Sullivan

Na’ama Carlin, Louise Chappell and Siobhan O’Sullivan all received the diagnosis people dread – cancer.

Working in universities, these three women knew how to speak up. But in Cancer World, their voices were often unheard. As they negotiated medical hierarchies, ‘scanxiety’, gender bias, ongoing treatments and confronting diagnoses, they met others who felt the same. In Being Patient, Na’ama, Louise and Siobhan share their own stories and talk to people about their experiences as patients and carers in Cancer World. Including stories from cancer experts – nurses, surgeons, radiologists, oncologists and researchers – Being Patient is unflinching and uplifting and offers unvarnished views of living with cancer from ‘both sides of the desk’.

‘Deeply humane and quietly transformative’ – Professor Ophira Ginsburg, Chair of the Lancet Commission on Women, Power and Cancer

'You don’t need to be a goody two-shoes if you’re receiving cancer care. In fact, as this uniquely insightful book will tell you, among many other things, it sometimes helps if you aren’t.’ – Norman Swan

Paperback

Published May 1, 2026

About the author

Dr Na’ama Carlin is a sociologist living on unceded Bidjigal land, with her partner and bub. She is a founding Advisory Committee member of the Jewish Council of Australia.

Reviews

[Carol Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the subject isn’t cheery, the authors write with clear-eyed compassion and care.

A book that should be compulsory reading for anyone entering Cancer World - whether they be a patient, a practitioner, or a peer.

Thank you Na’ama, Louise and Siobhan.