How can you overcome a phobia of shorting your life because of an unfounded fear for a disease or cancer you might contract?

Answer 1

Believe it or not all of us have had these feelings more than once when reality punches us in the face. We realize how fragile life is and thoughts turn to our own mortality. If you have had cancer or other diseases in your family (a history under "genetics") this does not mean that you may die of this particular disease (including cancer.) We all have cancer inside of our bodies, but to this day scientists can't figure out why cancer cells are activated in some people and not others and that's the whole key to cancer. Every year there are cures coming up for diseases and preventative medicine so relax a little. Look at the history of individuals in your family. We eat some better foods today, we can be more active if we so choose and we have the choice of taking stress out of our busy lives if we so choose. A good diet, staying away from too many antibiotics (unless it's absolutely necessary) and not pill-popping for every little ache and pain (such as mild headaches, etc.) keep humans living longer today. Faith in religion is another good way to over-come this fear and making death your friend. That last part sounded odd to you I have no doubt, but, as one grows older they don't fear death as much as when they were young. Youth think they will go on forever and most don't give death another thought. As we grow older every so often we do think of death. I'm 65 and don't fear death at all and I'll swear that on my Bible. I live each day as if it's my last and some days are filled with joy, great things, while other days are quiet, serene and I kick back and enjoy it. I can also experience boredom and as my mother often said, "Idle hands are the devils playmate." Meaning, don't sit and think so much about certain things and in your case fear of becoming severely ill or dying. I certainly have my bad days, but rely on my faith and I know I'm a strong person. Instead of being afraid I get in there fighting mad and try to come up with answers and I do the same for those I love and that in itself keeps you very busy. Live! You have a lot of good years ahead of you so make them count. It leaves us with great memories and at 65 I can still run rings around some 20 year olds. Embrace life, not the fear of disease and the Propaganda the governments leak out about Avian Flues, Terrorism and germ warfare, etc. Look back on history and from the time I was little (in the 1940s) even then they said the earth would end. Get busy! Volunteer at something you enjoy such as helping people. Stop living in a plastic bubble. You should also get some counseling to see why you feel this way. Good luck!