Could a cancer diagnosis sometimes produce positive life changes? In a new study, many people with colon cancer, even in advanced stages, believed their diagnosis had brought some beneficial effects to their lives. In surveys of 133 colon cancer patients, researchers found that nearly all — 95% — said their lives had benefited in some way since their diagnosis. Often, they felt their family relationships had strengthened, or they were better able to “take things as they come” and feel grateful for each day. That was the case whether people were in an earlier stage of the disease or had metastatic cancer — meaning it had spread to distant sites in the body. In fact, the study found, no medical factors seemed to influence patients’ capacity for “benefit finding.” On the other hand, that ability to see a “silver lining” did not buffer people against feeling anxious, sad or otherwise distressed. While that might seem counterintuitive, experts said it actually makes sense. People can simultaneously see the positives in their lives, and be distressed by dealing with a cancer diagnosis, said lead researcher Lauren Zimmaro, a senior postdoctoral associate at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. Benefit-finding, she said, is about finding meaning in the midst of difficulties, and not “putting a positive spin on things.” “It’s more realistic than that,” Zimmaro said. Allison Applebaum,… read on > read on >
