I came across this on one of my many internet surfing the other day and instantly fell in love with it. As I looked at it I began to reflect on its message because this is often see as taboo and not often done. But why?
When someone gets diagnosed with cancer the interactions with others instantly changes. It isn't intentional but something that just happens initially. As time progresses we usually get more comfortable around them but there is still a small bit of uncomfort. We almost never joke about the disease because it is seen as taboo or that they have enough on their plate.
The uncomfort isn't actually from the cancer or the patient. It is from our own neurosis. This cancer brings up thoughts and feelings of mortality in ourselves. This is something that we are not comfortable. Almost all of us like to go through our lives in a bubble of naivete not pondering our mortality. Unfortunately a cancer diagnosis bursts this bubble for the patient and often brings these thoughts forward in their friends and families.
The unfortunate thing is a cancer diagnosis is not much different that many chapters we have gotten through in our past. Many more people are surviving cancer these days than not. So really this is more of just a really challenging chapter in our lives. I want you to think back to the last challenging chapter you had in your lives. I am sure it was difficult and brought up many thoughts of potential defeat. But during it you were able to crack jokes at yourself and the challenge. So the only real difference is the topic of mortaility.
Lets take a look a laughter for a moment. Laughter is actually one of the most wonderful things our bodies can do and has a tonne of benefits for us. First off, laughter reduces the levels of stress hormones in the body and similtaneously increases the levels of health-enhancing hormones like endorphins. In addition, laughter increases the number of antibody producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T Cells (the cells that eat the bad stuff in your body). This means that laughter not only reduces the physical effects of stress but increases you immune system.
In addition, laughter has a positive impact on perspective. Studies have shown that our response to stressful events can be altered based on whethter we view something as a threat or challenge. Humour gives us a more lighthearted perspective and therfore helps us view events as challenges rather than threats. This almost always translates into a much more positive outcome.
With all these benefits of laughter and humour it is a shame that we don't use it more in our dealings with cancer. Just think, a cancer patient already has a tough and stressful situation. Wouldn't it be so much more beneficial for them to view the road ahead as a challenge to be tackled, like they have done so often in their past rather than a threat to their mortality. In addition, their immune system is already suppressed from the chemotherapy treatments they are receiving. Having a stronger immune system and lower stress levels can only help them through this. And the benefits are not just one sided for the patient. The cancer diagnosis has definitely added a new stress to all the family and friends. Everyone could benefit from lower stress and a better immune system (This way you don't get sick as often and can visit them more :) )
I am someone who doesn't mind joking about cancer. So the next time you are with me, put the worries of mortality on the backburner and crack a joke. Even a joke at me, if you can handle the repercussions ;)
I say lets all joke about cancer a whole lot more. Our lives will be better for it.
Aaron
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