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A Psychological Look at Cancer
by: Dr. Douglas Brodie, M.D
There are psychological aspects and influences which affect virtually every disease known to man, and cancer
is certainly no exception. How one deals with stress has been shown to be an important factor in the development
of illness and the body's response to that illness
It has been my observation over the years that nearly all cancer victims have had a highly stressful event, or
series of events prior to the onset or diagnosis of cancer. This major stress usually precedes the diagnosis of
cancer by about 2 years, and it is often something beyond the cancer patient's control, such as the loss of a loved
one or loss of a business.
All of us are exposed to stress, of course, but fortunately, most of us are able to cope with these stresses. The
cancer patient, however, has somehow lost his/her ability to cope with these stressful situations. There are, we
believe, a number of personality traits which seem to be quite consistently present in people who are susceptible
to cancer. These individuals are typically very conscientious, caring, intelligent, and hard-working. They tend
to take on other people's burdens and accept extra obligations to the point that they have little time for themselves
or for relaxation and pleasurable pursuits.
Another feature of those who are susceptible to cancer appears to be that they usually 'suffer in silence' and
bear their burdens without complaint. Burdens of their own as well as the burdens of others weigh heavily, sometimes
subconsciously, upon these individuals because they tend to internalize their cares and problems. The carefree
extrovert seems to be invulnerable, or at least far less vulnerable to cancer than the caring introvert. Stress
causes suppression of the immune system, and does so more overwhelmingly in the cancer-susceptible personality
described above. Thus, personal tragedies and excessive levels of stress combine with the underlying personality
to bring on the immune deficiency which allows cancer to thrive. Of course, other factors still apply, such as
nutrition and changes in dietary habits as well as in the patients approach to stress.
However, it is very difficult for certain people to bring about major changes in their lifestyle, and many find
it too hard, too unpleasant, or just too inconvenient to make such sacrifices and alterations in their settled
way of life, even in the face of a life-threatening illness.
About Dr. Brodie
Dr. Brodie brings over 50 years of expertise in the field of both allopathic and complementary cancer therapies.
He has also developed several new protocols for the complementary management of cancer as well as a special program
for enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy. His research and protocols will supplement and support the therapies
of Mr. Arnold Takemoto, our President and CEO, and create more concise content for those researching cancer therapies.Dr.
Brodie authored the book, ‘Cancer and Common Sense – Combining Science and Nature to Control Cancer’. This book
is recognized in the cancer community as the alternative guide to the treatment of cancer and degenerative diseases.
Dr. Brodie has also co-authored a portion of the book “An Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide to Cancer” by Burton
Goldberg.Dr. Brodie has practiced complementary methodologies, primarily specializing in cancer patients and patients
with other degenerative diseases, since he obtained his medical degree from the University of Michigan in 1949.
In 1983, Dr. Brodie was appointed by Governor Richard Bryan to serve on the State Board of Homeopathic Medical
Examiners for the State of Nevada.
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