“FEELINGS ARE CHEMICALS, WHİCH CAN KILL OR CURE” : HUMOR THERAPY: THE WAY OF BENEFITTING FROM POWER OF FEELING FOR CANCER PATIENTS

Abstract

People with cancer commonly experience a range of symptoms, including pain and various types of physical and emotional distress. Conventional treatments do not always satisfactorily relieve these symptoms, and some patients may not be able to tolerate their side effects. Complementary therapies such as humor therapies can help relieve symptoms and improve physical and mental well-being. This review was made for taking attention to effects of humor therapy as complementary therapies. Methods: The review was carried out by following search combinations terms of in various databases: complementary therapy, integrated care, laughter therapy, humor therapy, humor and oncology. This review provides a general introduction to application of humor therapy as complementary therapies Results; The studies that were releated to humor therapies for cancer patients have been examined. Humor was defined as one of the most used complementary therapy methods. It has been emphasised that these therapies have many clinical benefits, promoting beneficial physiological changes and an overall sense of well-being. Humor even had long-term effects that strengthened the effectiveness of immune system. It served a therapeutic tool for disorders such as depression, and a coping mechanism. It also was a natural healing component for caregivers trying to cope with the stress and personal demands of their occupations. Conclusion: As a conclusion; despite being limited, there were studies on humor therapy in patients with cancer, however the reviewed literature was extremely limited about humor therapy used based on different kinds of cancer. Studies showing the effects of humor therapy in different kinds of cancer are required.