His Story Will Give You Hope If Someone You Love Has Cancer
The speaker is Richard Block, the co-founder of H&R Block who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1979. At the time he was a heavy smoker and had been experiencing symptoms including a persistent cough and fatigue. After being diagnosed, Block underwent surgery to remove a portion of his lung, followed by several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Block's experience with cancer had a profound impact on his life and career. He became an advocate for cancer research and awareness and profoundly believed that hope helped to cure him – that his positive attitude increased the likelihood that surgery and drugs would work as they did.
Block's story is an example of how a cancer diagnosis can be a turning point in a person's life, leading them to find new purpose and meaning in their work and personal life.
I was making a film for Dr. Bernie Siegel the well-known surgeon and author whose books have sold millions of copies related to the connection between positive attitude and successful cancer outcomes. This clip is a portion of my two hour video to help those with cancer and their families titled Fight For Your Life.
Studies have suggested that a positive outlook can help patients cope with the stress and anxiety of cancer treatment, improve quality of life and even potentially improve treatment outcomes. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that breast cancer patients who reported higher levels of optimism had better overall survival rates than those with lower levels of optimism.
Cancer is a complex disease that can arise from genetic mutations, exposure to certain environmental factors, lifestyle choices and other factors. Some of the known risk factors for cancer include:
Age: Cancer is more common in older adults as the risk of genetic mutations increases with age.
Genetics: Some genetic mutations can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer. These mutations can be inherited from a parent or can occur spontaneously.
Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as tobacco smoke, UV radiation, and certain chemicals can increase the risk of developing cancer.
Lifestyle factors: Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as a diet high in processed foods, lack of exercise and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing cancer.
Viruses and infections: Certain viruses and infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
If you or a loved one have cancer, in addition to Dr. Siegel's belief in maintaining a positive attitude and hope, there are choices available
Surgery involves removing the cancerous tumor and nearby tissue. It is often the first treatment option if the cancer is confined to one area and hasn't spread.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with other treatments.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be given orally or intravenously and can be used alone or in combination with other treatments. Family members of mine have used the Cancer Treatment Centers of America and drugs like CTCA, Alpelisib, Tagrisso, HNSCC, Darolutamide, Imfinzi, Carboplatin, Cisplatin, Cyclophosphamide, Docetaxel, Doxorubicin, Fluorouracil (5-FU), Gemcitabine, Methotrexate, Paclitaxel, Vinblastine & Vincristine.
Immunotherapy helps the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
Targeted therapy uses drugs to target specific molecules or pathways that contribute to cancer growth. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
Hormone therapy is used to treat cancers that are hormone-sensitive, such as breast and prostate cancer. It works by blocking or reducing the amount of hormones in the body.
A stem cell transplant involves replacing damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. It is often used to treat blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.
People in my family and among my colleagues have consistently used the American Cancer Society for support. A great organization. I know this because I have done several documentaries for them.
Whatever you or your loved one does to fight this horrific disease, I ask you to fight to keep a positive attitude. Search the word “Siegel” on my YouTube channel to find many more supportive clips from my film.
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