Part 1

Psychological stress is introduced into the mind/body system. Life events that cause stress includes the changing of roles change in environment or critical loss. The authors note that stress (or stresses) usually precedes the onset of cancer six to eighteen months prior to the cancer manifestation.
The reaction to the stress, and not the actually stressful event itself, causes the chain of events. Depression and despair sends it’s signals out to the limbic system causing the physical reactions that make people susceptible to cancer.
The limbic system (the visceral brain) “is integral to all those activities essential to the protection of the organism”. (p. 94) This system records information which is used to activate the body’s protective system. Since the fight or flight response is usually an inappropriate reaction, suppression of that response and the depression that results, causes this system to record the depression and it’s signals are sent into the body’s protective system.
These messages are recorded in the hypothalamus. This area of the brain controls the immune system and regulates the pituitary gland. It is from these recorded messages from the brain that these system take direction in function.
The immune system acts on the message of depression and despair by suppressing immune function. White blood cells and other functions that combat cancerous growth are limited, leaving the body susceptible to foreign invasion. In response to stress, the hypothalamus triggers the pituitary gland to change the hormonal balance of the body. This can cause a higher susceptibility to carcinogenic substances. Also, this hormonal imbalance can increase the production of the number of abnormal, cancerous cells.
With the suppression of the immune system, increased susceptibility to carcinogenic substances and the increase in the number of cancerous cells, the environment for cancerous growth is optimal.
Reversing this model the basis for the Simontons recovery program. Input of new and hopeful thinking as well as visualizations that strengthen the immune system change the recorded messages in the hypothalamus bringing the body back into hormonal balance and activating the immune system. In part two of their book, (“Pathways to Health”), the authors present the whole course of their therapy.

Part 2

Similar Components and Psychological Characteristics in the Life History of Cancer Patients?

The Simontons found that many people who have developed cancer tend to have a belief that their life meaning equates with what they are doing for others. There seems to be identification with the outside world for their inner value. Many female cancer patients, who lost the ability to take care of the house, kids and husband, or find meaning as a caregiver for another, began to develop cancer. Men, on the other hand, found that when their careers ended or were drastically changed, their basic definitions of themselves changed. This stress contributed to the onset of cancer.
People who do not feel that they can meet their emotional needs without an excuse will also use cancer as a way to deal with emotional issues. Often times, people reward illness by giving attention, loving and nurturing because they feel sorry for the ill patient. It is this sympathy that drives people to become cancer patients. The description of the individuals above (care giving of everyone else) that brings about this situation. If one believes that other people cannot handle their lives, out of pity he often takes control of the situation for everyone around him. When the individual then has difficulty dealing with his own issues (which often happens if he has been ignoring them for a long time) the idea that people will now feel sorry for him may initiate the onset of illness. Sympathy is one of the most destructive emotions in man.
There are other ways of being that can also contribute to the onset of disease. People who tend to have a negative outlook in life send messages to the brain, which causes a suppression of immune system functions, and increase the production of cancer cells. Also, people who tend to get stressed out easily also (through suppression of immune system function) are prime targets in developing cancer.
It is important for the health of people that they develop their own identity, allow others to do the same for their own (and those of others) sake. Also, a positive, forward thinking attitude assists in an individual ability to remain healthy and cancer free.

Robert Morrison DCH is the co-founder of co-founder of Soul Resources. His current projects include a new Hypnotherapeutic model of healing and goal-setting designed to assist people in letting go of unwanted habits, resolve conflicts within themselves and with others and teach people how to consciously create their own reality as a way of realizing their full potential.

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