Hey, hear the one about the cancer patient on a high-fibre diet? But Dr. Rajiv Samant would like to change that, convinced that humour can not only co-exist with cancer, but help patients better endure the dreaded disease. Now, to press home his case about the funny side of malignancy, he’s published a book of cartoons that illustrate some of the comical interactions he’s had with cancer patients. Cancer patients surveyed for a Norwegian study last year said they found humour helpful for coping with anxiety, solving problems, safeguarding important relationships and communicating difficult topics. A 2014 British study concluded humour could help penile cancer patients make light of their condition, but said jokes about “sexual and urinary functioning” should wait until after treatment.

Source: National Post September 14, 2016 03:00 UTC