The will to live: Can mindset make a difference in cancer?

Hello everyone, how are you holding up today?

Many people with cancer have said, “I’m still here because I chose to live.” But what does that really mean?

According to a thought-provoking piece from Stanford Medicine, the will to live isn’t just wishful thinking, it can be a powerful psychological force. Patients who are emotionally engaged, who feel a sense of purpose, who stay involved in their care, and who nurture hope often report a better quality of life. In some cases, they even respond better to treatment.

Of course, mindset is not a magic cure, and cancer is never the patient’s fault. But stories in the article show how some people find strength in unexpected ways, by choosing joy, connecting with loved ones, or simply making a decision to keep going, one day at a time.

💬 What about you?

Have you ever felt that your mindset, or the mindset of someone close to you, helped shape how you experienced illness?

What gives you the will to keep going, especially on hard days?

Do you believe emotional strength can support physical healing, or do you feel that it's too overly romanticized?

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Your story might help someone else who’s struggling to hold onto hope. 💛

Take care,

Somya from the Carenity team 🌼