Keeping a positive attitude after a cancer diagnosis has no bearing on longevity, according to a recent study in the December issue of Cancer, the journal of the American Cancer Society. Media hype has gotten patients, as well as medical professionals, to buy into the idea that a positive attitude is a must for surviving the typically serious and frightening diagnosis. This is one more misconception about cancer to add to the list.
The study was based on quality of life surveys filled out by approximately 1,000 patients with head and neck cancer. All had undergone similar treatments -- keeping these factors constant helped control for any variations in their state of mind. The data showed a patient's attitude had no effect on longevity, even when taking into account other variables that could affect survival.
This study is probably bittersweet news to many, especially those dealing with life-threatening disease. Although we all would like to believe that one can "think" one's way out of an illness, this study (which is one of the largest and most rigorously designed on this issue) shows that cancer is not a mind over matter battle. On a positive note, the study acknowledges that while going through such a difficult diagnosis, positive thinking, therapy, and support groups can have social and emotional benefits. Therefore, if patients feel they need this type of support, there is good reason to seek it out. However, it is crucial that the patient, as well as the public health community, understand that these are means of coping with the illness and will not add to longevity.
The popular guideline of staying positive while going through something as difficult as cancer diagnosis and treatment is unfair and very demanding of patients, and it is good to see a scientific study set the record straight. Even more critical is making sure that one uses science-based information while tackling a cancer diagnosis instead of falling prey to widespread mind-over-matter miracle cures promoted by quacks out to exploit desperate people.
Krystal Wilson is a research intern at the American Counci on Science and Health (ACSH.org, HealthFactsAndFears.com).
See also: ACSH's report on Good Stories, Bad Science.
