The Positivism Approach to Cancer

By on December 22, 2008 in Health, Spirituality

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…
 

About christine.gonzalez

A contributing writer for TheHolisticOption.com, Certified Health Coach, and Integrative Pharmacist. She decided to become a health coach, because as a pharmacist, she felt something was missing in her practice, that patients were being treated symptom by symptom and not for overall wellness. She embraces Eastern traditions, and is honored to share with, and support others, on their journeys. Christine trained to be a Certified Health Coach at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She earned her B.A. in biology at Rutgers University, her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of California at San Francisco, and is currently studying Western herbology. She finds nourishing, balanced energy in her own life through a dedicated yoga practice, running, and bike riding along the beach in Southern, CA, where she resides.
View all posts by christine.gonzalez →

, , , , ,

One Response to The Positivism Approach to Cancer

  1. runestone0 February 8, 2009 at 5:36 pm #

    Hi,

    I'm a four-time cancer survivor, clear 12 years. I trained with a tai chi master and eventually beat the disease, which didn't seem likely, as the doctors gave me six months to live in 1991. I used standing post meditation as a way to strengthen my body, immune system and will every day. It's important to do something, on your own, whether it's meditation, qigong, yoga, or diet and herbs. That makes you part of the healing process. And it helps you feel empowered and positive.

    Good luck to your family member.

    Best regards,

    Bob