Stress Management During Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment is Stressful, Follow These Techniques for a More Manageable Recovery

Cancer diagnosis and treatment is an undeniably stressful time. With all the changes, emotions, uncertainty and financial concerns it’s incredibly important to address stress head on as a part of a cancer patient’s treatment plan rather than trying to suppress or hide from these emotions. Like diet and exercise, properly managing stress plays a critical role in enhancing a cancer patient’s life experience during cancer treatment. Overcoming and properly managing stress during cancer treatment dramatically increases mood and self esteem which Dr. Shyamali Singhal, General Surgeon, and Oncologist at El Camino Hospital in the Silicon Valley finds to be an essential aspect in developing the will to overcome cancer.

Does Stress Cause Cancer?

While many people are beginning to fall under the impression that stress is the source of cancer there currently isn’t any evidence that links stress directly with the development of cancer. A lot of people tend to overlook the unhealthy behavior and coping mechanisms that happen between stress and cancer such as poor diet, overeating, smoking and drinking heavy amounts of alcohol. Strong and consistent levels of stress, however, is proven to lower the immune system which, paired with poor coping mechanisms and an array of other influences can make the body more susceptible to cancer. So, while stress may not be directly causing cancer, proper stress management can help reduce the possibility of cancer.

The Effects of Stress on a Cancer Patient

While studies also cannot directly link stress and mortality for those undergoing cancer treatment, there are studies that show that proper stress management is linked to feeling less of cancer treatment’s side effects as well as a reduced sense of depression. Laboratory studies in mice have indicated that mice with cancerous tumors who experience chronic levels of stress have an increased probability of their tumors growing in size or spreading. The mice studies are, of course, experimental but they point towards the concept that stress makes the body vulnerable. Another study in humans shows a correlation between feelings of helplessness and mortality rates so it can be suggested that clearing the mind of stress and maintaining a positive outlook can be a valuable aspect of cancer treatment.

Decreasing Stress for Cancer Patients

Once a cancer diagnosis is made and treatment begins a cancer patient will now have a handful of new and important things to incorporate into their schedules. A cancer patient is going to have to learn how to say no to certain things and to prioritize the things that are truly important to them and their lives. It’s important for cancer patients to establish and know their limits and save time and energy for recovery and healing. A cancer patient should make a list of the things that they need to get done as well as a list of the things that are stressors to them. With these two lists a person can become aware of everything on their plate, as well as what’s influencing their motives. Cancer patients will benefit from learning to let go of the things that they have no control over changing or won’t have enough time for anymore. Learning to become flexible while staying focused on what’s valuable will ease stress and build confidence during the cancer treatment process.

Coping Techniques for Cancer Patients

There are all kinds of ways that cancer patients can learn to cope with stress. The similarity that stress reducing activities seem to share in common is that they either allow a person to express themselves or they pull a person out of their minds, enabling them to get lost in something awe inspiring or productive. The most common and recommended form of stress relief, according to Dr. Shyamali Singhal, General Surgeon, and Oncologist, is physical exercise. Exercise allows people to burn up and transfer the energy that their stressed minds create or are festering on while keeping their bodies in shape. Similar stress dissolving experiences occur while being immersed in nature, writing, playing music, talking in support groups, reading, gardening, cleaning, or even just actively setting aside some personal time to relax, cook a favorite meal or go out to a favorite restaurant. A cancer patient should give themselves permission and a reason to check out of their busy mind every once in a while.

Relaxation Techniques

Coping techniques help to burn up stress or disconnect from stressful situations while relaxation techniques will help in facing stress head on. The goal in these techniques is to breath through and endure stressful situations such as cancer treatment sessions with a calm and centered mind. Mindfulness meditation is a process of cultivating the awareness that thoughts, emotions, and even physical sensations are temporary, ephemeral, and in constant change. With the “knowing” that sensations are temporary the mind becomes less prone to cling to discomfort and it is calmed as the body breathes through experiences. Another way to calm the mind is to simply breathe slowly and deeply while focusing on the expansion and relaxation of muscles. Yoga is another great way to learn to breath through resistance and difficulty while calming the mind and lessening it’s tendency to cling to the temporary. 

Self-Care As A Way to Fight Stress

Stress management is a vital aspect of creating a positive and healthy life experience so it’s something everyone should try to incorporate into their daily routines. Self-care has become popular recently and with good reason, it makes people feel good about themselves. When people feel good about themselves they develop the energy and will to take on the stresses that life throws at them in a healthy way. If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed with cancer, remember the little things make a big difference in feeling good about one’s self. The oncologist recommended Chemo Companion product line at has been designed specifically for cancer patients to feel their best so they can stand up in the face of stress.