Finding Optimism As A Healing Tool
- Maintaining a positive attitude and engaging in joyful activities can significantly enhance treatment outcomes and overall well-being during prostate cancer care.
- Houston Methodist oncologist Dr. Eleni Efstathiou has some guidance for patients struggling to see hope as they take on cancer.
- One of her key tips is to stop thinking in terms of numbers. “There’s no value in fixating on dates or worst-case scenarios,” she says. “It only feeds fear.”
- Patients should also know that there are more treatment options available than ever before, and there are powerful tools at your disposal.
Experts, such as Houston Methodist oncologist Dr. Eleni Efstathiou, tell SurvivorNet that maintaining a positive attitude and continuing to engage in activities that bring happiness can have a significant impact on treatment outcomes and a patient’s overall well-being.
Read More Dr. Efstathiou believes that optimism isn’t just a mindset — it’s a powerful tool in the fight against cancer. “We never give in, and we are always very optimistic, even in the face of adversity,” she tells SurvivorNet. “Because we find ways to overcome it, learn from it, and make our lives better.” For patients navigating prostate cancer treatment, Dr. Efstathiou offers three practical strategies to help cultivate that optimism:
- Let Go of the Numbers: Many patients get caught up in timelines — how long they’ll live, how long treatment will last. But Dr. Efstathiou urges them to shift focus. “There’s no value in fixating on dates or worst-case scenarios,” she says. “It only feeds fear.”
- Embrace the Fight: Cancer is real, and so is the strength it takes to face it. With more treatment options available than ever before, patients have powerful tools at their disposal. Recognizing those options can help them step into the fight with confidence and clarity.
- Focus on the Future: Optimism grows when patients look ahead. Whether it’s exploring new therapies or imagining life beyond treatment, Dr. Efstathiou encourages patients to stay forward-facing. “Hope lives in what’s next,” she says.
The hope isn’t just for patients — it fuels the medical team too. “We are here to fight this, and we are here to find ways to live longer,” Dr. Efstathiou affirms. “I never give in.”
Content independently created by SurvivorNet with support from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.
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