The Power of Positivity, a Positive Attitude and Support System Can Improve Cancer Outcomes

You’ve probably heard the old adage “a positive attitude will get you far.” Recent studies reveal that this piece of advice has positive implications for cancer patients as well.
“Research has shown that across the board, in all types of cancer, those who have a positive attitude as well as a strong support system have improved recovery and outcomes,” says Elisa Bomgaars, MD, medical oncologist at Oncology Associates, P.C.
“For many people, treatment and recovery can take its toll on one’s physical and emotional health,” says Bomgaars. “It’s normal to be sad and even become depressed when you’ve been hit with the news that you have cancer.”
But there are things you can do to maintain your positivity and general well-being. One of the strongest factors affecting one’s positivity and coping abilities is having a strong support system, notes Bomgaars. Those who lack a support system may be more prone to depression and body image problems. Depression should not be ignored. “Studies have shown that anti-depressants can be just as helpful as some chemotherapies in affecting outcome,” she says.
Exercise and good nutrition can provide also provide physical and emotional benefits.
“Exercise releases endorphins, which can help with pain, nausea, fatigue and depression,” says Bomgaars. “Women who exercise throughout their treatment will also have better strength and energy, which can help expedite recovery.”
It’s also important to maintain a balanced diet. “This is not the time to diet, but this also doesn’t mean you need to eat more than normal either,” says Bomgaars.
In addition, any type of vitamins in large doses is not recommended during treatment. “If the vitamins have antioxidants, there’s a concern that these may hinder cancer therapy,” notes Bomgaars. “If you are not eating well due to nausea, a multi-vitamin in small doses may be an exception.”
After treatment, women may continue to have to deal with a host of short-term side effects that may linger for some time afterwards. While problems like hair loss, skin and nail issues, memory loss, sexual problems and pain will eventually resolve themselves with time, understanding what these side effects are and how to deal with them can help women cope with these changes.
“Dealing with hair loss is one of the most difficult changes for women to deal with,” says Margaret Block, MD, medical oncologist at Nebraska Cancer Specialists. It may take five to six weeks before after a woman’s last chemo treatment before she will notice some hair returning, she explains. After that, it will begin to grow back much faster. Initially, it may come in very fine, curly and a slightly different color, but may return to its normal color and texture later.
“Approximately 70 percent of patients deal with some sort of sexual problems,” notes Block. “Chemotherapy or other hormonal pills can suppress estrogen and cause side effects similar to menopause. It can also put women into premature menopause which may contribute to weight gain.”
Some women experience lingering pain or swelling from lumpectomies. “This may not completely go away but can be minimized with stretching,” says Block.
Neuropathy or numbness in the fingers and toes is another side effect that should improve with time but may never completely go away for some, notes Bomgaars.
Many women also complain of memory loss, also referred to as chemobrain, which tends to be worse for those who must take anti-estrogen therapy.
Chemobrain can be combated by remaining active and doing things that stimulate the brain, such as working, reading or crossword puzzles. “Studies show that those that remain idle and just give up have a harder time getting back to where they were before cancer,” Bomgaars says. “How you overcome it is the most important thing. You have to keep exercising your brain and get it back in shape just like you would the rest of your body.”
Programs like the Image Recovery Center at Alegent Health and the Life Renewal Center at The Nebraska Medical Center provide services that can help women cope with the personal and physical challenges of cancer and provide a more holistic approach to healing and recovery.
These programs offer services like wig fittings, cranial and breast prosthetic fittings, oncology massages and exercise classes as well as skin and nail care products specifically geared for people with or recovering from cancer.
Beki Rainey, clinical cosmetologist for the Image Recovery Center, says the center is a safe-haven for cancer patients. “When they come here, they know they are among people who understand their needs and are going through the same changes,” she says. “Retail products are not geared for the needs of cancer patients. We have products that can make cancer patients feel young, sexy and good about themselves again.”
Some women may also benefit from a support group or other transitional program to help them deal with the emotional and physical challenges of cancer.
An Omaha program called A Time to Heal is a free 12-week holistic program designed to help women regain physical, emotional, intellectual, psychological and spiritual strength after undergoing breast cancer treatment.