A Healthy Person with Cancer
Yes, people who have enjoyed good health can get cancer. And that’s because cancer is a complex multi-factorial illness. Even when you focus on eating a healthy diet and exercising, there are things out of your control like genetics and environmental factors. And, some cancers arise simply from genetic accidents during cell division. Unfortunately, coming to terms with cancer can be even more challenging if you were experiencing life as a healthy person prior to your diagnosis. For someone who was previously healthy, having cancer can heighten the emotional impact by adding feelings of shock, disbelief, and anger. A healthy person may even feel as if their body betrayed them. These emotions can be intense and are often combined with the typical feelings of sadness, anxiety, and uncertainty that can accompany a cancer diagnosis. For healthy individuals, this can lead to feelings of isolation as they struggle to find other people who truly understand how they feel. It’s important to remind yourself that going through a variety of emotions is a normal part of the cancer journey even when you are a healthy person with cancer.
Supporting your emotional health as a healthy person with cancer is important because research shows that emotional support is associated with improved outcomes and better overall wellness. It has been shown that partners, caregivers, and family members provide an important source of support so reach out to those individuals. However, friends, healthcare professionals, community resources, and support groups can help fill in any gaps. If you’re feeling intense emotions associated with being a healthy person with cancer, be proactive in embracing and processing your feelings.
The good news is that if you enjoyed good health prior to your diagnosis, you are not alone. People in good health develop cancer more often than you may think. Plus, the healthier you are—even with cancer—the better you will tolerate and benefit from your treatments and optimize your recovery. The bottom line is that it is always important to nurture your health, whether you have a diagnosis of cancer or not.
