A person with a disease can be described by a variety of synonyms. For instance, they might be referred to as an invalid, an ailing person, a sick individual, or a patient. Other terms that can be used include a sufferer, a convalescent, or a diseased patient. A person with a specific illness might also be referred to by the name of the disease, such as someone with cancer being called a cancer patient. Additionally, terms like infected person, afflicted individual or diseased person may also indicate a person with a medical condition. Regardless of which synonym is used, the focus should be on empathy and compassion for the person in question.