Cancer

Although many people do not realize it, both the prevention and the treatment of
cancer are suspected of being related to stress. Cancer is really several diseases,
some of which may be caused by ingested carcinogens (cancer-causing agents),
some by inhaled carcinogens (in the environment or in cigarette smoke), and some
by viruses. In any case, cancer is the unbridled multiplication of cells that leads to
tumors and, eventually, organ damage.
When a viral cancer occurs, the immunological systemparticularly its
lymphocytesisis called into play. The number of T-lymphocytes that normally
destroy mutant cells prior to their multiplying and causing damage is
reduced during stress. Consequently, some researchers believe that chronic
stress results in a chronic inability of the immune response to prevent the
multiplication of mutant cells, which some believe are present but normally
controlled in most people.
Th e role of stress in the development of cancer is still being debated, but because
cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, research in this
area has been and is presently being conducted. Some support has been provided
for a cancer-prone personality type. Th e cancer-prone person has been described
as (1) holding resentment, with the inability to forgive; (2) using self-pity; (3) lacking
the ability to develop and maintain meaningful interpersonal relationships; and
(4) having a poor self-image. 66 Th e classic study by Lawrence LeShan in the 1950s
of the psychological characteristics of cancer patients found that these patients
diff ered from healthy controls. Th e patients more frequently
1. Reported a lost relationship prior to the cancer diagnosis.
2. Were unable to express hostility in their own defense.
3. Felt unworthy and disliked themselves.
4. Had a tense relationship with one or both parents.

More recent studies, though, have not found an association between personality
and the development of cancer or the eff ectiveness in treating cancer. 6 8 ,6 9 Consequently,
this remains an area of some controversy.
Even the treatment of cancer has included the recognition that the mind can
aff ect the body. Cancer patients have been taught to imagine the T-lymphocytes
attacking the cancerous cells. Th ese visualization skills and other relaxation techniques
are utilized because it seems sensible to conclude that if T-lymphocytes are
decreased during the stress response, they will be increased during the relaxation
response. Th e immunological system will then be more potent in controlling the
cancerous cells. It should be recognized, however, that this type of treatment for
cancer is controversial and experimental. Further, visualization therapy always
includes more treatment modalities as wellfor example, X-ray, chemical, and
surgical methods.