Embrace Social Support - Cancer Ireland

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My family and friends were definitely the key to my recovery. One thing that I do suggest is that anyone dealing with a life-threatening illness like cancer choose a point person for people to call to find out how you are doing – a sister, brother, mother, father, daughter, son, or close friend.<span class="su-quote-cite">Olivia Newton-John</span>

Social support: A network of family, friends, neighbors, and community members that is available in times of need to give psychological, physical, and financial help.

Why it’s important
This study says: Research suggests that social support has an impact on physical health, well-being and adjustment to cancer of cancer patients.

In addition, evidence reveals that social support is beneficial for cancer patients and there is positive relationship between emotional support from family members and the level of physical and psychological adjustment to cancer. Furthermore, research into the relationship between the social support given during diagnosis stage and longer lifespan shows a causal relationship between social support and psychological adjustment.

In a study that examined which supports (depending on the person giving the support) cancer patients found useful, it was found that cancer patients believed that the emotional support given by the people they felt close was really significant. The patients in that study regarded the reassurance and emotional support given by nurses as important while they considered the informational support given by doctors as useful.

This study says: Every disease, and cancer in particular, constitutes a considerable psychological burden and a source of crisis. Professional care, friendly atmosphere and full access to information connected with the health problem may contribute to the reduction of undesired stimuli.

Radical Remission: Surviving Cancer Against All Odds

Kelly Turner, PhD, a researcher who specializes in integrative oncology, studied one hundred cancer survivors and analysed over one thousand cases of people who experienced a “radical remission” from “incurable” cancer. She found that these people did not sit around waiting for a miracle, but made significant changes in their lives. Dr Kelley found ten healing factors common among all of the cases she studied. These ten key factors are:

Radically changing your diet
Taking control of your health
Following your intuition
Using herbs and supplements
Releasing suppressed emotions
Increasing positive emotions
Embracing social support
Deepening your spiritual connection
Having strong reasons for living
Daily physical exercise

See more at www.RadicalRemission.com.

Cancer Survival Tips

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