The “heart” response to cancer prevention

  With the penetration of psychological science into clinical oncology, the in-depth research of psychosocial oncology and the development of psychoneuroimmunology of tumor, many problems have been gradually explained. For example, people with certain psychological characteristics are more prone to cancer; the occurrence and regression of cancer are related to endocrine and immune defense functions, and the latter is influenced by the patient’s own emotional and behavioral responses; cancer patients who exhibit certain psychological and behavioral characteristics have a shorter survival period; the use of psychological treatments such as emotional support and behavioral interventions can double the survival period of cancer patients.  As a psychosomatic disease in which psychosocial factors play an important role in its occurrence, development, treatment and recovery, cancer research should be guided by psychological stress theory; not only from the role of mind on body, i.e., studying the influence of psychosocial factors on the occurrence, development, treatment and recovery of cancer, but also from the role of body on mind, i.e., studying the influence of physical symptoms on the psychosocial behavioral consequences of cancer patients. The study of the effect of physical symptoms on the psychosocial behavior of cancer patients. Take the diagnosis of cancer as an example to illustrate the psychological stress process: when patients are told that they are diagnosed with cancer, they will realize that cancer will pose a serious threat to their lives and bring about changes in their economic and social status, thus creating an urgent need for doctors to save their lives and relieve their pain; however, the inadequacy of current medical measures in treating cancer puts them in a paradox that external resources cannot meet their needs, resulting in various stress reactions. Various kinds of stress reactions, such as fear and anxiety, behavioral reactions such as denial and passive dependence, and physiological reactions such as gastrointestinal dysfunction and insomnia. In recent years, a large number of clinical practices have proved that a considerable number of cancer patients had a long period of negative emotional stimulation or a sudden major emotional shock before the disease. Studies have shown that under great stress or rapid emotional changes, a hormone called cortisone will be stimulated to be produced, which will suppress the immunity of human body, and once the immunity ability is reduced, cancer cells will be easily produced.  Adverse psychological factors are a strong “cancer promoter”, and the incidence of cancer is four times higher than that of normal people. For example, people with obvious psychological disorders and character defects; people who are too sensitive, sentimental and introverted; people who are depressed, narrow-minded and irritable for a long time; people who have psychological conflicts and fears; people who are used to suppress their anger and emotions; people who are tormented by pessimism and disappointment for a long time. A survey in the medical field shows that 6.5% of the patients with esophageal cancer had worries and impatient negative emotions before the disease. Another survey showed that 69% of cancer patients were impatient and had experienced major trauma six months prior to cancer. Another survey found that as many as 76% of cancer patients had obvious negative psychological factors before the disease, while only 32% of people with general diseases. The most direct emotional reactions related to the disease: anxiety, fear, depression and anger.  Learn to regulate emotions, overcome impulsiveness, be able to correctly identify their emotions (know in what emotional state they are making decisions and choices), correctly say how they feel (reduce impulsive emotions by confiding); overcome anger, recognize anger, learn to think differently, find a reason for others, count from one to ten, express dissatisfaction in a way that does not attack the other person, learn to listen, appropriate tolerance. Emotional reactions controlled by catharsis, relaxation, and faith.  Numerous studies have shown that when individuals have better social interactions and better interpersonal relationships, their moods are happier and their bodies are correspondingly healthier. We call it social support. Social support can give information and guidance, care and support, and provide encouragement and reassurance. At the same time, it can strengthen mutual support among patients, increase patients’ confidence in overcoming diseases, and give more social support power according to patients’ personality characteristics in collaboration with their families.  It is a systematic project to influence patients’ behavior in coping with the disease through educational and psychotherapeutic means; its goals are to improve patients’ motivation to overcome the disease, enhance self-esteem, improve coping ability, reduce confusion brought by the disease, and increase patients’ sense of control in fighting the disease and help patients better solve the problems they encounter.