A cancer diagnosis is serious and often brings difficult feelings; however, some people with cancer turn to humor to help them cope, as laughter has many positive effects on the mind and body. Some doctors also use humor with patients to help put them at ease during a tense or uncomfortable time.

Allowing yourself to laugh

Giving yourself permission to laugh is as important as giving yourself permission to cry and grieve. That's because humor is an important defense mechanism; it can help people with cancer adjust to the stress of their illness and treatment. Being able to laugh can create a sense of power. By helping you adjust to the reality of your illness, it can give you a renewed sense of control over your life.

Helping the healing process

A number of scientific studies show evidence to support a variety of laughter's physical benefits, such as reducing pain and stress.

One study, for example, found that laughter helps blood vessels function better. Another study shows that laughter causes your brain to release chemicals that relax your muscles and produce feelings of pleasure. Still, another study credits laughter with stimulating the body's immune system, which can help fight viruses. And hearty laughter has even been shown to massage your internal organs.

Some researchers, though, question the health benefits of laughter, and many questions remain about laughter and its effects on health.

Perhaps more important than any specific medical benefit, though, are laughter's emotional benefits, which are plentiful and powerful.

Coping with reality, creating a sense of hope

Laughter helps people with cancer cope with their serious illness in part by letting them acknowledge their situation in a less threatening way. It's hard not to feel happy when you're laughing, which explains why laughter and hope go hand in hand. Laughter can provide a sense of perspective on our problems and a release for pent-up emotions.

Indeed, in one study of adults with a life-limiting illness, more than half of participants said that humor helped them deal with an otherwise overwhelming situation. And more than three-quarters said that humor gave them hope. In another study, a group of people with cancer said that their doctors' use of humor gave them hope.

Some health care professionals think that hope may even help your body deal with cancer. Research is ongoing on the positive effects that hope and humor can have on our health.

Connecting with friends and family

For people with cancer, making connections with other people sometimes becomes difficult; close friends and family members may not know what to say or how to act. They may be so worried about saying the wrong thing that they don't say anything at all.

Humor can ease that tension, in some cases, which may allow friends and loved ones to be more encouraging and supportive. You won't always feel like laughing, of course, but when you set the tone by saying something funny, you give those around you permission to laugh and relax, too. What's more, laughter has the power to create an emotional bond between people, which can strengthen relationships and pave the way for more serious discussions at another time.

Connecting with doctors

Just as humor can set the tone for interactions with friends and family members, it can also help establish good communication between people with cancer and their doctors. Being able to share a laugh with your doctor can create a sense of familiarity and trust. The same can be said for nurses and medical staff who play a key role in managing your care.

Finding humor

Some people with cancer find humor in everyday situations that happen along their cancer journey, while others may seek out humor and jokes about cancer in books. There are several of these types of books in libraries and bookstores. Try searching the “Self Help” section or ask a librarian or store associate for help. Also, search the Internet for "cancer jokes," and you'll find hundreds of links. Several hospitals and treatment centers offer “humor therapy” or “laugh therapy” programs, which may include visits by volunteer clowns, comedians, or other entertainers. Ask a nurse or social worker if there is a program at your hospital or treatment center.

More Information

Coping

Additional Resources

Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO): Humor and Oncology (January 20, 2005)

American Cancer Society: Humor Therapy

Last Updated: July 20, 2009