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Dr Vinod K Joshi
Picture of Dr Vinod K Joshi
Posted
Optimism 'no bearing on cancer'
from BBC News online, Monday, 22 October 2007
quote:
The power of the mind has been overestimated when it comes to fighting cancer, US scientists say. They said they found that a patient's positive or negative emotional state had no direct bearing on cancer survival or disease progression.

The University of Pennsylvania team followed more than 1,000 patients with head and neck cancer.

But experts said the Cancer journal study should not deter people from adopting a "fighting spirit". Indeed, a positive outlook can help patients cope with gruelling cancer therapies and resume a "normal" life, a spokeswoman for Macmillan Cancer Support said.

Seeking emotional support may be beneficial to cancer patients, said the researchers.

Lead author Dr James Coyne said: "If cancer patients want psychotherapy or to be in a support group, they should be given the opportunity. There can be lots of emotional and social benefits. "But they should not seek such experiences solely on the expectation that they are extending their lives.

Read the full article: here

Question:
Do you think a positive outlook is helpful in coping with diagnosis, treatment and resuming a 'normal' life?

Choices:
Yes
No

Question:
Do you think a support group is important in coping with diagnosis, treatment and resuming a 'normal' life?

Choices:
Yes
No

Question:
Despite this study, do you think a positive outlook improves your chances of survival?

Choices:
Yes
No

 

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dr Vinod K Joshi,


Disclaimer: Please see your own dentist/doctor for a proper diagnosis as my words should not, in any circumstances, be taken as dental/medical advice.

"If you see what is small as it sees itself, and accept what is weak for what strength it has, and use what is dim for the light it gives, then all will go well. This is called Acting Naturally."
Lao-Tsu, Tao Teh King
 
Posts: 3344 | Location: St Luke's Hospital, Bradford and Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield | Registered: 14 December 2002Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Julia
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Posted Hide Post
It really depends on the support group. I belonged for a while to a H&N support group that was predominantly older men who had survived lanyngeal cancer. As a woman in her 40's who had tongue cancer, I felt that very little of what the group had to offer applied to me. I think I'd only met two other tongue cancer survivors, and I had little in common with either of them as we'd all had different treatment regimens and outcomes. I now belong to a cancer survivor's writing workshop where I'm the only oral cancer survivor, but I feel more welcome there. I think it's because the emphasis has been taken off cancer and put on an activity that we all enjoy.


Howdilly doodilly, survivorinos!
 
Posts: 494 | Location: Hollywood on the Huron | Registered: 15 February 2008Reply With QuoteReport This Post
ANANTH
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Posted Hide Post
Dear Dr. Joshi,
What I honestly feel is that the mind is a very powerful tool - not just for fighting cancer but for doing anything in life. Nothing is impossible if you set your mind on it. The forums help in routing your thoughts by taking into account all the hardships people have gone through, when one feels he or she is the only one who has been the sufferer. I think this experience helps in enhancing ones state of mind to becoming more confident about life.Its not that one expects to extend ones life expectancy but helps you accept you were not yet meant to leave this world - your time had not come and you will go only then. Till then try and make others happy as humor is a great healer and then take your train when your time comes.
Ananth


Live on your beliefs and strength- and you will become immortal.
 
Posts: 1178 | Location: NEW DELHI, INDIA | Registered: 15 February 2006Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Dr Vinod K Joshi
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Posted Hide Post
Of the 24 participants so far:
  • 23 or 96% think a positive outlook is helpful in coping with diagnosis, treatment and resuming a 'normal' life
  • 21 or 88% think having a support group is important
  • Despite this study, 16 or 67% still think a positive outlook improves chances of survival


so now we have proof that this is a positive board Smiler


Disclaimer: Please see your own dentist/doctor for a proper diagnosis as my words should not, in any circumstances, be taken as dental/medical advice.

"If you see what is small as it sees itself, and accept what is weak for what strength it has, and use what is dim for the light it gives, then all will go well. This is called Acting Naturally."
Lao-Tsu, Tao Teh King
 
Posts: 3344 | Location: St Luke's Hospital, Bradford and Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield | Registered: 14 December 2002Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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