Staying Motivated on Treatment

Finding motivation

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be devastating, and the side effects of cancer treatment like chemotherapy or radiation can be very challenging as well. Studies have shown that a positive attitude can lead to a better outlook on life, and some doctors believe that this could have an effect on cancer treatment outcomes. Finding motivation through a spirit of optimism and a will to live may be important parts of cancer recovery.

In a survey of 34 people undergoing treatment for cancer, participants were interviewed on what kept them motivated while on treatment. Here’s what the study showed:

• Desire to survive
  • When study participants were faced with a cancer diagnosis, there were many fears of what may happen, but there was also a willingness to survive and fight the disease. They had accepted the illness and adapted to it in a desire to return to their regular lives and achieve their goals. This desire to preserve life is an important motivating factor in starting and continuing treatment
  • For example, if someone living with cancer enjoys painting, they may be motivated to push through treatment to paint again
• Dreams to achieve
  • Knowing the value of life and a desire to fulfill unrealized dreams helped motivate participants during cancer treatment. They dreamed about healing, and had set goals for themselves to accomplish when treatment is finished
  • For example, if someone’s dream was to have their painting in an art show, that future goal may motivate them to meet the challenges of cancer treatment
• Positive thinking
  • Study participants continually worked to put aside their negative thoughts and remain hopeful during treatment. This optimistic attitude of gratitude even in the hardest of times was helpful. Remembering that the disease is temporary and changes like hair loss may not be permanent were also helpful motivators
• Meeting others with cancer
  • Meeting other cancer survivors who had the same disease helped participants feel more motivated and optimistic about their own cancer journey. Simply talking with and sharing experiences with someone else with cancer may help improve feelings of well-being and outlook on life. Joining support groups, whether local or online, may help you find comfort and community
• Trust in the treatment
  • Having a good relationship with their cancer care team and being aware of any advancements in cancer treatment helped study participants stay motivated when going through treatment. Understanding the side effects and risks of prescribed medications can help boost optimism by creating a sense of knowledge, empowerment, and trust. Make sure to use reputable resources when researching treatment and its side effects
• Responsibility for self and others
  • For study participants, knowing they are important to and needed by their loved ones helped with their motivation, especially if they had others to take care of, such as children or older parents. Not everyone living with cancer may have the full support they need, so a sense of community and belonging are important factors for motivation

Finding and maintaining motivation during cancer treatment will be different for everyone. Learning the best methods for you to stay on treatment is up to you and your healthcare team. They may be the closest people to understanding your cancer journey other than yourself. Reaching out to them and learning how other patients found motivation to stay on treatment may be helpful for you.