By Dr. Christine Gonzalez (PharmD, CHC)
I was recently disheartened by the news of a family member’s cancer diagnosis. After mentally grappling with all the usual “how and why” questions, I decided that the best support I can offer is based in positivism. Different elements of positivism – including hope, optimism, freedom from regret, and life satisfaction – all contribute to how the patient adjusts to the cancer diagnosis and their subsequent quality of life. Despite all the variables beyond our control, we can control this one thing: a positive mindset. Infusing this into a strong spiritual belief can set an unyielding foundation for healing.
Spirituality plays a significant role in the management of symptoms and ultimately treatment outcome. Several studies of cancer patients and caregivers have shown that low levels of spirituality are associated with worse physical and mental health. This suggests a strong stress-buffering effect of spiritual well-being. Spirituality can be in the form of a specific religion, a generic spiritual practice, or simply an attitude of positivism. For me, this means telling my family member that she is strong, making her laugh, giving her a massage, or telling her about all the happy things in our lives. We view her cancer as simply another challenge to overcome.
While the causes of cancer are numerous and the influence of genetics and lifestyle is constantly debated, treatment needs to be aimed at the whole person. Whether a patient has a positive mindset, a strong spiritual practice, and the support of family and friends all play pivotal roles in how their body responds to treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or alternative therapies). This lends to the holistically oriented cancer treatment program that we have decided to follow. Treat the patient, not just the tumor. In support of those living with cancer, feel free to share any inspiring positive words to help all those on this healing journey...
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I was recently disheartened by the news of a family member’s cancer diagnosis. After mentally grappling with all the usual “how and why” questions, I decided that the best support I can offer is based in positivism. Different elements of positivism – including hope, optimism, freedom from regret, and life satisfaction – all contribute to how the patient adjusts to the cancer diagnosis and their subsequent quality of life. Despite all the variables beyond our control, we can control this one thing: a positive mindset. Infusing this into a strong spiritual belief can set an unyielding foundation for healing.
Spirituality plays a significant role in the management of symptoms and ultimately treatment outcome. Several studies of cancer patients and caregivers have shown that low levels of spirituality are associated with worse physical and mental health. This suggests a strong stress-buffering effect of spiritual well-being. Spirituality can be in the form of a specific religion, a generic spiritual practice, or simply an attitude of positivism. For me, this means telling my family member that she is strong, making her laugh, giving her a massage, or telling her about all the happy things in our lives. We view her cancer as simply another challenge to overcome.
While the causes of cancer are numerous and the influence of genetics and lifestyle is constantly debated, treatment needs to be aimed at the whole person. Whether a patient has a positive mindset, a strong spiritual practice, and the support of family and friends all play pivotal roles in how their body responds to treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or alternative therapies). This lends to the holistically oriented cancer treatment program that we have decided to follow. Treat the patient, not just the tumor. In support of those living with cancer, feel free to share any inspiring positive words to help all those on this healing journey...