Breast Cancer Prognosis

QUESTION: Breast Cancer Prognosis - Is There Hope?

ANSWER:

Even if a breast cancer prognosis is issued, there is great reason for hope. When my grandmother was diagnosed in 1952, little medical technology existed to offer hope of any kind. Today we have early detection by way of mammography, self-examination, advanced treatments and faith.

Lonny J. Brown, Ph.D, stands behind the claim that faith and belief are both forms of treatment. He says, "Modern medicine can treat - and often conquer - disease. After decades of research at Harvard Medical School and elsewhere, experts have concluded that the mind plays a strong role in healing the body - and that belief can be powerful medicine."

Brown also reports that Herbert Benson M.D, the President of the Mind and Body Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, states "Between 50 to 90 percent of all diseases can be affected by patient belief. And, 90 percent of Americans report that their strongest belief is in God." Brown adds "Harvard and the Mind/Body Institute research conclude: faith and the human spirit cannot be separated from clinical care and medicine. And, [we] have data to back it up."

What does the Bible say regarding hope, fears, and God's sovereignty?

• Romans 8:31 asks if God is for us, who can be against us; the verses remind us that Christ will intercede for us.
• Matthew 10:30-31 assures that the very hairs on our heads are numbered and known by God; we are more important to God than the sparrows.
• Isaiah 41:10 tells us to not fear, that God is always with us and to not be dismayed; He is God and will strengthen us, and help us.
• Matthew 12:15 recalls that the multitudes came to Jesus and He healed them all. He can heal anything!
• Matthew 17:20 Jesus states that if we have an amount of faith even as small as a mustard seed, we can speak to a mountain to be moved and it will move. "And nothing shall be impossible to you."
• Matthew 18:19 reminds us that there is strength in prayer; when two or more pray together, Christ will be there in the midst of them.
• 1 John 5:14-15 "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of Him. "

In this last scripture, we must be mindful that the key here is to pray according to His will, not our own. Not everyone will be cured but we must have faith that though God does not cause illness, He can use it to bring glory to His name. Family or friends may draw closer to Him through our suffering or loved ones. If all else fails, remember the wise words in James 1:2-3: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."

Resources:
Self-Actuated Healing
The Power of Belief: Surprising Studies on Faith and Health