I've also had cancer, and a huge part of my family has died from it. When I meet someone else who has been through it, particularly chemotherapy, it makes me respect them in a way I hadn't appreciated prior to my own cancer diagnosis/treatment. Chemo is supremely shit. Hats off to anyone who has had to deal with that and cancer full stop.
Can't say I'm over it being a reality-tv device because it humanises and demystifies cancer is a way nothing else does.
But, maybe that's just me.