Stress & Cancer

Life is stressful enough without having to deal with life-threatening illness Being told by a doctor that one has cancer is devastating to the individual as well as the family. There can be an extreme sense of helplessness and hopelessness. All of the control seems to be in others’ hands: the oncologists, the nurses, technicians and lab personnel.

Stress increases in circumstances where individuals perceive they have no control, so, the whole process of discovering that one has cancer and going through the ordeal of treatment or surgery is a formula for the worst kind of stress.

Is there anyway to gain some control over a dangerous unseen disease?

Stress and Immunity

The Ohio State Breast Cancer Project has said, "Research indicates that acute stress occurs with cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The immune system helps the body fight infection and disease.

Emotions and behaviors interact with the immune system.

Increases in stress have been linked to a reduction in some aspects of immune response.

THEREFORE, coping ‘better’ may enhance the body’s defenses and contribute to a more healthful recovery "

Positive Benefits from Stress Reduction

A study reported by Barbara Anderson PhD in August 1999 at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, found that training of cancer patients in relaxation, stress reduction and strategies for coping not only helps in improving patient outlook during treatment, but shows indications of aiding in fighting breast cancer.

Those on the intervention program had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol which is known to suppress the immune system function.

The group that learned new skills was better able to tolerate the full dosage of chemotherapy.

Those who learned new skills were nearly twice as likely to follow through with the full chemotherapy regime.

We specialize in helping people to relax, reduce stress and learn new ways of coping with difficulties.

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	The immune system helps the body fight infection and disease.
	Emotions and behaviors interact with the immune system.
	Increases in stress have been linked to a reduction in some aspects of immune response.

	Those on the intervention program had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol which is known to suppress the immune system function.
	The group that learned new skills was better able to tolerate the full dosage of chemotherapy.
	Those who learned new skills were nearly twice as likely to follow through with the full chemotherapy regime.