Editorial

As another hectic year draws to a close, many of us begin to look forward to the season of festivities and joy in the coming months. For patients and relatives affected by the diagnosis of cancer, however, there may seem to be little worth being cheerful about.

The diagnosis of cancer often brings about disbelief, denial, anger and depression. Only with immense courage and strong support from friends and relatives can one begin to accept reality and move on with the long journey of cancer therapy. To learn to smile again and look at the lighter side of things would take even greater fortitude and enlightenment.

Yet humour and laughter are positive forces that can be harnessed in the fight against cancer. While the scientific evidence is tenuous, the benefits are intuitively obvious to anyone who has experienced the uplifting effects of a good laugh that can banish worry, fear and even pain for at least a brief moment.

From a different perspective, the recent Singapore Cancer Society Charity Show successfully raised millions of dollars for cancer treatment thanks in part to the many artistes who flew in to spread joy and cheer to a mass audience, who in turn gave generously to the fund raising cause.