Imagery as a Complementary Treatment for Cancer

The fight against cancer is an ever-intensifying battle, with staggering statistics painting a daunting picture. In 2023 alone, the Global Cancer Observatory recorded a staggering 19,976,499 new cases worldwide, equating to approximately 54,730 new diagnoses daily. Projections indicate a further surge, with estimates suggesting a rise to 28 million annual cases by 2040. That means a potential influx of around 76,700 new cases each day. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent lives shaken, families disrupted, and individuals facing one of the most formidable challenges of our time.

In treating cancer, while the arsenal against this disease continually expands, the role of scientifically backed complementary treatments is also gaining recognition. Amidst the array of conventional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, an emerging ally is gaining attention: imagery. As a psychologist specializing in harnessing the power of the mind, I've witnessed firsthand the potential of imagery training in navigating the enormous journey of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Imagery as a Complementary Treatment

Imagery is not a standalone remedy but a vital adjunct to conventional treatments. It serves as a psychological tool that can yield physiological benefits. For instance, a 2016 study involving 208 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy revealed that integrating imagery and progressive muscle relaxation alleviated symptoms such as fatigue, pain, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and depression compared to conventional treatment alone. However, whilst earlier reviews of guided imagery alone report the benefits of imagery on positive outcomes like decreasing anxiety and enhancing comfort, there’s no significant evidence of decreasing physical symptoms such as nausea. Furthermore, a comprehensive review conducted in 2021, including numerous clinical studies employing imagery alongside muscle relaxation techniques, found a varied landscape, indicating a mix of outcomes. Ultimately, the review highlighted stress and anxiety mitigation as the only areas exhibiting discernible improvement for cancer patients.

The Mind-Body Connection

Understanding the mechanics behind imagery uncovers its benefits as an essential complementary tool that binds imagination and physiological response. Research shows how our brain processes stress, anxiety, and pain, revealing interconnected neural pathways that govern our perception and experience of these afflictions. When honing our ability to navigate our thoughts and emotions through imagery by not just thinking positively, but thinking with acceptance and control, or perhaps even a meaningful shift in attention, we gain a measure of management over our physiological responses as we alter our perceptions. According to Voltz et al. (2015), this shift in thinking, and use of imagery, causes a decrease in cortical-pain-related areas of the brain and lowers sensitivity to pain. This partnership between mind and body highlights the pivotal role of imagery in holistic cancer care.

Positive Thinking vs. Imagery

What distinguishes imagery from mere visualization or positive thinking? It's the immersive multisensory experience it offers, not only encompassing positive visualizations of a healthy future but also engaging auditory, olfactory, gustatory, tactile, kinesthetic, and emotional sensations. While envisioning a brighter tomorrow is undeniably vital for both patients and nonpatients, the true power lies in envisioning the processes through adversity—the weariness, sickness, and moments of despair—and crafting strategies to overcome these obstacles. Utilizing multisensory imagery to map out pathways forward entails a rich inner dialogue, as individuals explore thoughts and imagine possibilities. This process taps into a deep reservoir of inner strength and resilience, empowering individuals to navigate challenges with determination and grace.

Outside of cancer research, empirical studies have found that incorporating imagery into the pursuit of challenging goals can significantly enhance motivation and increase the likelihood of achievement by up to fivefold compared to endeavors lacking such techniques. This remarkable effect is attributed to several factors, including the establishment of tangible targets and the cultivation of a cognitive framework that facilitates a return to one's optimal state. When harnessing imagery as a psychological tool, individuals tailor its application to their unique needs, empowering them to overcome obstacles with unwavering determination and pursue their endeavors with renewed purpose.

Practicing Imagery

As thoughts flit in and out of consciousness, their persistence often hinges on the emotional resonance and personal significance they hold. Negative thoughts, in particular, have a tendency to linger, inviting deeper contemplation and amplifying their impact on our thoughts. Herein lies the essence of “controllability": When exercising control over our thought processes, we influence our mind with purposeful intent. This entails a conscious shift from dwelling on unwanted thoughts to directing our focus toward predetermined positive imagery or problem-solving strategies. Think of it as a set of balance scales, with two competing thoughts vying for prominence, and you hold the power to determine where the weight—or attention—is placed. In this intricate dance of cognition, multisensory imagery assumes a pivotal role, acting as the counterbalance that tips the scales in favor of our chosen focus. With each sensory input—be it auditory cues, olfactory and tactile sensations, or emotional experiences—we add depth and weight to our envisioned scenarios, heightening their vividness and emotional impact, thereby unlocking their full potential.

When teaching individuals to practice imagery, we primarily encounter three fundamental steps called the 3N’s: notice, negotiate, and neutralize—a framework developed to enhance controllability.

• The act of noticing serves as the cornerstone of self-awareness, laying the foundation for intentional cognitive engagement. In this moment, you might recognize an unwanted feeling or be thinking negatively about the future. Noticing your thoughts and emotions is a pause point, offering a choice: "Do I want to continue with this thought or not?"
• Next comes negotiation—an introspective inquiry into the utility of our thoughts. We scrutinize their impact on our well-being, assessing whether they align with our values and aspirations. This critical evaluation enables us to discern between thoughts that serve our highest good and those that hinder our progress. Negotiation results in a decision—"What do I want to think about?"
• Equipped with clarity, we proceed to neutralize unwanted thoughts through imagery, activating predetermined positive mental images or engaging in problem-solving strategies to pave a constructive way forward. Neutralization empowers us with a sense of control, as we consciously direct our focus—"I am choosing to think about…"

The integration of imagery as a complementary treatment in cancer care presents a promising frontier in the ongoing battle against this formidable disease. Grounded in empirical evidence and the intricate relationship between mind and body, imagery offers a series of benefits for patients and caregivers alike. While research highlights its efficacy in relieving stress and anxiety, further inquiry is needed to uncover its full potential in addressing physical symptoms and promoting holistic well-being. As we investigate the link between the mind and body, let us embrace imagery as a thinking framework and as a catalyst for personal growth—a testament to the enduring resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.