Dr. Johnston looks at a 2023 analysis of more than 822,000 cancer patients on positive psychological states and survival, and a meta-analysis of more than 32,000 patients on religion, spirituality and health. These studies show associations, not proof that faith or optimism treats cancer.
Can hope actually affect what happens to you if you get diagnosed with cancer? Or is faith and prayer just wishful thinking?
Massive churches like Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, teach to release our anxieties to God, and if we trust him, we will have a blessed future. My pastor Steven Furtick at Elevation Church says we should not let our troubles determine our outlook, but rather, as he puts it, we should out-trust our troubles. Jesus said, "If you say unto this mountain, be removed and cast into the midst of the sea, and believe in your heart that those things which you say will come to pass, it will come to pass." Other religions teach optimism and positive vibrations for a positive future.
But that's religion. What does the science say? I saw an ad for an FDA approved migraine therapy called Botox, which boasted less than 8 to 9 migraines a month. But they also said there were 6 to 7 less headaches a month with placebo, which was the fake pill used in the study. It's almost like if you believe something will happen, if I believe this placebo will work, then it's more likely to happen.
Faith, hope, it's a powerful influence upon our well-being. And science confirms this. In 2023, researchers combined more than 24 longitudinal studies involving more than 822,000 cancer patients. Positive psychological states were strongly associated with longer survival. Overall, the hazard of death was 9% lower.
But faith and spirituality have been directly studied as well. A meta-analysis involving more than 32,000 cancer patients found religion and spirituality was significantly associated with better health. More recent randomized evidence has found improvements in cancer-related fatigue and pain.
The evidence tells us something important. Treating cancer should not mean simply treating a disorder, a tumor. The psychological, social, and spiritual life of the person living with that tumor deserves attention, too.
Here's the research. You decide.
Educational research summary, not medical advice. Talk with your oncologist and pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any treatment or supplement.