Breast cancer is no laughing matter, but being able to find something to laugh about in the midst of the trial can be cathartic.
BY BONNIE ANNIS
PUBLISHED MARCH 18, 2019
Bonnie Annis is a breast cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2014 with stage 2b invasive ductal carcinoma with metastasis to the lymph nodes. She is an avid photographer, freelance writer/blogger, wife, mother and grandmother.
Breast cancer. What do you think of when you hear or read those words? Do you feel sadness, anger, frustration, fear, worry, dread? Perhaps you felt several of those feelings at the same time because you know breast cancer isn’t something to be taken lightly. It’s a heavy subject. The severity of the disease brings life altering consequences. Breast cancer isn’t always curable. People die. Any way you look at it, cancer isn’t funny—but could it be?
Some might find making light of cancer to be disrespectful or socially unacceptable while others find it a useful coping mechanism. According to an article posted by wellness coach Elizabeth Scott, “Developing a sense of humor about life’s challenges is an effective coping technique that can actually lead to better overall health as well as simple stress management. That’s because, aside from the health benefits of laughter (which are numerous and significant), having a sense of humor about life’s difficulties can provide a way to bond with others, look at things in a different way, normalize your experience and keep things from appearing too overwhelming or scary.”
Some might find making light of cancer to be disrespectful or socially unacceptable while others find it a useful coping mechanism. According to an article posted by wellness coach Elizabeth Scott, “Developing a sense of humor about life’s challenges is an effective coping technique that can actually lead to better overall health as well as simple stress management. That’s because, aside from the health benefits of laughter (which are numerous and significant), having a sense of humor about life’s difficulties can provide a way to bond with others, look at things in a different way, normalize your experience and keep things from appearing too overwhelming or scary.”
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