Are You at Risk of Getting Cancer?
Filed Under Cancer Coach |
You may respond emphatically, “No, no way!” Others may ask, “How should I know? What a crazy question!” Some of you believe, “Oh gosh, I certainly hope not, it’s not within my control… its God’s decision!” Truth is… we all have at least some control over most degenerative diseases. Our thought patterns and lifestyles may influence whether we get cancer or not.
While genetic factors may increase the risk of getting cancer, a weakened immune system can also contribute to its development and growth. Many factors can affect the immune system, including our emotional state and nutritional intake, stress, unresolved conflicts, chemical assault, poor diet, or any combination of these.
Clinical observations consistently find that many cancer patients have some underlying emotional conflict, long suppressed and unresolved. In addition, conventional organizations, such as the National Cancer Institute, are beginning to recognize that nutritional deficiencies are also frequent factors in cancer development.
Observations have found that cancer patients tend to have a genetic history of cancer as well as a poor diet and lack of exercise over a period of time. A more complex example might be a hard-driven smoker who works around diesel fuels, or a dutiful caregiver who is a professional housecleaner with life-long regrets from having taken better care of others than him or herself.
Empirical evidence of a relationship between cancer and personality type has been recognized for centuries. It is believed that women with breast cancer frequently have a tendency to be melancholic. Additional noted characteristics include: being highly conscientious with an above average intelligence; exhibiting a strong tendency toward carrying other people’s burdens; having a great need for approval; showing an inability to resolve deep-seated emotional problems and conflicts; and reacting adversely to or not being able to cope adequately with stress.
Many cancer patients experience “stress trauma” about two years prior to the onset of any detectable disease. The traumatic event is usually beyond the patient’s control, such as: loss of a loved one; loss of a business, job, or home; or some other major disaster. Major stress contributes to suppression of the immune system, and does so more overwhelmingly in cancer-susceptible individuals. Personal tragedies, excessive levels of stress, and poor nutrition, combined with the personality traits described above, can impair the immune system and allow cancers to thrive.
For a cancer patient, making major lifestyle changes is very difficult – and very important. Improving activity patterns and eating habits can be highly beneficial. Nutrient deficiencies become more common as we age. Consuming “clean”, high quality nutrition helps offset premature aging brought on by years of poor diet. Therapeutic supplementation may also help compensate for the body’s breakdown. Exercise is paramount in maintaining muscles, supporting metabolism and removing toxins from the body. Social and recreational activities help maintain a healthy sense of self.
Maintaining a positive attitude is crucial for any cancer patient. Meditation, visualization and breath response therapy all contribute towards a balanced mind and body. For your best chance in avoiding cancer, or encouraging remission, consider:
• Moving away from a stressful lifestyle and reducing heavy obligations, burdens and anxieties. Learn to say “No” to those who would lay burdens upon you.
• Acknowledging the importance of spiritual growth and surrendering to the wisdom of God or your concept of a Higher Power.
• Taking charge of your own health care and making dietary and other healthy changes
in your physical lifestyle.
• Rejecting the idea that the diagnosis of cancer automatically means death and that
only conventional treatment can offer hope.
• Avoiding destructive and toxic emotions, such as fear, anger, resentment, guilt and self-pity. Replace them with positive emotions such as joy and love, which arise naturally from forgiveness, hope, kindness, confidence and faith.
Our thoughts are an extremely important component of our immune system. We are only just beginning to understand their importance in the prevention of and recovery from diseases such as cancer.
Remember: A healthy mind heals a troubled body!
Jeanette Marshall
