Yesterday former US President Barack Obama tweeted his support of Senator John McCain who has just been diagnosed with brain cancer. He was praised, correctly in my view, for his sentiments and support of a colleague from across the political divide.

However, that is where I have to part company with him.

Readers of this blog will know about my feelings about metaphors of cancer as a ‘battle’ or ‘fight’. So, when The Independent emailed me yesterday lunchtime to ask if I could write a piece about it, I was happy to oblige.

You can read my article here.

Judging from replies to my tweet that shared it, below, not everyone agrees with me.

Nevertheless, I am glad I stuck my head above the parapet on this one.