Too Much of Online Cancer Research May Hurt Your Recovery

The internet has given us the freedom to access information that was previously more difficult to find. This is, in many cases, a good thing, for example it’s now easier than ever to research different medical facilities, doctors, services or any valuable topic without the need to travel all the way to the book store or library.

However, free access to the jungle of information out there isn’t always a good thing – especially in relation to our health and, specifically, when it comes to finding information about cancer, statistics, procedures etc.

The main problem with internet research is that there is just SO much information, so many different opinions, ideas and theories to take on board. It is easy for a person, who already may not be feeling well to become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of available information. And, perhaps more importantly, it can be difficult to validate the information you read on the internet; the internet is not regulated so just about anybody can write just about anything they want to and when it comes to our health, this can be extremely stressful, draining and taxing.

If you have ever tried to research a subject thoroughly using the internet, you will be only too aware of how this ‘information overload’ can become overwhelming. And when we feel overwhelmed by information, we may end up giving up on it all, as it all seems too complicated, confusing and contrasting to absorb. This can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, helplessness and hopelessness – emotions that are counterproductive when trying to heal as they can have a detrimental effect on the body’s immune system.

Furthermore, reading extensively on the subject of cancer can bread more fear, and fear is debilitating. In the grip of fear, we may become paralyzed by it and unable to take action.

It is also important to bear in mind that much of what you read online is anecdotal. If you associate too closely with someone else’s experience you may prevent your ‘own’ experience from unfolding. We are all unique, and you cannot compare your physical and emotional health with the health of another person – your experiences are not their experiences.

Perhaps the most convincing and compelling reason is, we become what we think about. The more you read about illness the more you think about it. The more you think about it the more you associate with it. The more you associate with it the more you identify with it. The more you identify with it the more it take roots in your experience. First in Mind, then in Body.

The above statement is only my opinion and you may feel differently. Even so, be cautious, limit the amount of internet research you do and limit the amount of thoughts you give the matter. Remedy your mind with thoughts of health… formulate a concept of yourself healthy and project it onto the screen of your mind’s eye as often as you can. This will work along the same path as before i.e. you will first formulate health in your Mind, then in your Body.