Health. Cancer: Why shouldn't we always encourage patients to stay positive?

"The preconceived idea that if we have good morale, if we remain optimistic, we will fight better and have a better chance of beating cancer is false," insists Aurélie Grall , a psychologist in Brest (Finistère). Not to mention that it "is very guilt-inducing for patients."

Indeed, faced with a serious illness and the often aggressive treatments implemented, "patients' moods naturally fluctuate," she continues. It is " a function of interim assessments, the difficulty in tolerating the treatment, the treatment itself... Some days, patients are ready to fight, and others they are at rock bottom." And after all, that's quite normal.

Unfortunately, this preconceived notion that their mood plays a role in the outcome of treatment is anxiety-inducing. "They think they are jointly responsible for a possible fatal outcome because of their mood," she explains. However, " the studies conducted have shown no impact on the survival rate."

Feel less guilty

Still, being in good spirits is better than being depressed. That goes without saying. And in the case of cancer, "being optimistic is often associated with better treatment compliance (following prescriptions, editor's note)," notes the psychologist.

But treatment is the key to dealing with the disease. So, "if the person takes their treatment, whatever their mood, those around them need to value them and strengthen them," she continues. And when they're depressed, you have to accept it. The next day, or sometimes later in the same day, morale can improve.

And of course, anything that improves patient morale is a positive thing. While optimism and a positive outlook may not directly impact treatment outcomes, they undoubtedly improve quality of life on a daily basis.