Mesothelioma Treatment: Exploring Visualization

Various studies are being done to see how visualization might improve outcomes for people with cancers like mesothelioma. Visualization is basically the technique of using your imagination (while you are in a state of relaxation or meditation) to picture a peaceful, relaxing scene you'd like to be in, such as a field full of beautiful flowers, or a sunlit beach with gentle waves. Imagining a peaceful scene very vividly can make you feel you are really there and help you feel more relaxed. A simple exercise can show how powerful your imagination can be: 'picture' a lemon being cut in front of you. Many people who do this notice their mouth starts to water as if they were tasting the lemon juice.

Therapists who use creative visualization to help cancer patients believe you can stimulate the immune system to slow the growth of the cancer. Some studies have in fact shown that focusing on feeling better and stronger works for some people to reduce the symptoms of cancer and the side effects of treatment.

Many people report that visualizing themselves as stronger does help them to feel better, and they regard it as a form of extended relaxation. One study has shown that gentle mental imagery can produce significant improvements in the mood of people having treatment for breast cancer.