Wholistic Psychology

Wellbeing and Cancer

with Janet Alexander

The weekend of the 17th June saw a symposium being held in Sydney on cancer and teenagers. The symposium had been called because of the worrying trend that services for teenager survivors of cancer were not adequately addressing their treatment and psychological issues of wellbeing. However wellbeing in cancer patients and survivors is an area that is sadly lacking for all age groups.

What do cancer patients want?

One area that cancer patients have noted that they would like an improvement in is in how they are told about their cancer and how they are treated during their treatment. Research carried out reveals that 87% of cancer patients, while not encouraging false hope, would like to be given some ‘hope’ that there may be an improvement in their outcome. They mentioned that many times doctors have been very blunt with the diagnosis and the expected outcome to the point of being cruel. It is not surprising to learn that many intern doctors that give the news to patients have had no training in how to give bad news to people. Because of the seemingly ‘power” position of doctors in the community, what people are told can influence their thinking and can cause depression at a time when they need to feel that they can overcome the disease.

Being supported can help

Research shows that being positive, and feeling supported by friends, family and the community can actually increase the wellbeing of cancer patients and can, if not curing them, improve their quality of life. Most importantly if you or anyone you know has cancer remember that they are still the same person they were before, don’t let the cancer diagnosis be the only focus in unsaid and said conversation. They need to be treated as a person first, that is being treated for cancer. Not a person that is dying of cancer.

How to improve wellbeing

People with cancer need to laugh and to enjoy life. Laughter therapy research indicates that laughter increases NK (natural killer cells) that can reduces tumour sizes. It also shows that the increase in endorphins, oxygen and serotonin can improve the immune function, the cell function and create happiness. Norman Cousins in the 1980’s has credited his improvement from cancer due to laughter. However based on Laughter therapy founder, Dr Karitas, laughter has to be sustained.

Creating wellbeing can also involve listening to inspiring music, developing spirituality, using aromatherapy scents, having massages, walking and exercise, looking forward to events and feeling a part of the community. So if you or a loved one has cancer keep enjoying life, don’t stop. Use the cancer experience to rid yourself of negative emotions and attitudes and live your life.