Three Ways Positive Thinking Can Help People Cope with Cancer

The former president of SOTAS International, Darcy Cardarelli has more than four decades of experience in computer programming and software creation. Darcy Cardarelli draws on this background in the development of AlwaysHaveHeart.com, a website featuring inspirational stories to help people with cancer, the loss of a loved one, and other hardships. 

Accounts of triumphs and successes can boost positive thinking, which evidence suggests can help individuals cope with a cancer diagnosis. The following list describes a few of the benefits of positive thinking. 

Offers stress relief
Maintaining a positive outlook can help lower blood pressure and relieve the stress and anxiety that come with a diagnosis and necessary treatment. No amount of worry changes the reality of a diagnosis, but positive thinking can allow a person to focus on the factors they can control. This can range from looking into support groups to participating in activities hat foster endurance against treatment side effects. 

Contributes to lower readmission after procedures
According to research by a team at Ohio State University’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, good mental health may affect hospital readmission and length of stay. Their study examined readmission and stay rates on patients who underwent a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). The results demonstrated that the risk was higher in those with depression, low optimism, and other psychological issues prior to the procedure. 

Promotes treatment management
Positive thinking can help people with cancer manage their treatment plans and maintain communication with their care team. Additionally, it provides motivation to engage in activities that promote endurance.

It is important to remember that the benefits of positive thinking on cancer can only manifest if the desire comes from within and when paired with allowing oneself to feel a full range of emotions. Constant reminders to stay positive can pressure people to feel a certain way and deny themselves time to grieve.