Why the word 'remission' might be making you sicker | Mel Robbins #Shorts
The term 'remission' in cancer treatment creates unnecessary stress and fear, hindering recovery and optimal living, while 'cured' promotes a healthier mindset.
Takeways• The term 'remission' causes undue stress and fear of recurrence.
• Stress negatively impacts physical health and prevents optimal living.
• Using 'cured' encourages a mindful, less anxious approach to post-cancer life.
The use of 'remission' for cancer patients, rather than 'cured,' is problematic because it induces prolonged stress and fear of recurrence, negatively impacting physical health. This distinction is crucial as stress is known to be detrimental to well-being. Adopting the term 'cured' would encourage patients to live more mindfully and embrace life without the constant anxiety associated with remission.
The Impact of 'Remission'
• 00:00:07 The medical term 'remission' for cancer, while indicating the cancer is gone, is problematic because it implies the condition might return, causing significant stress and fear for patients. This fear is exacerbated by arbitrary protocols, such as a 'five-year rule,' which keep patients in a state of anxiety rather than living optimally. The speaker likens this to a cold; one does not say a cold is in remission, and subsequent colds are viewed as new instances, not recurrences of a dormant threat.
Reframing to 'Cured'
• 00:01:39 Changing the terminology from 'remission' to 'cured' could significantly improve a patient's quality of life, allowing them to live more mindfully, openly, and happily. While a cure for cancer doesn't preclude future illnesses, just as a cured cold doesn't prevent another, it shifts the psychological burden. Embracing 'cured' helps activate a positive mindset, moving away from the stress response that 'remission' inherently triggers, as stress is considered a major killer.