No, there is no cancer-prone personality, expert reaffirms

Is there a specific personality type more prone to cancer?

Early foreign studies suggested some personalities might be more cancer-prone, but later research found no supporting evidence.

“Modern medicine rejects this concept. Later studies showed personality doesn't cause cancer; it may just seem more pronounced during treatment,” said Professor Kim Ha-rin of Asan Medical Center on the hospital’s YouTube channel.

So, why did I get cancer? Some patients might ask themselves.

“Getting cancer is like a traffic accident,” Professor Kim said. “Careful driving reduces risk, but accidents still happen. Likewise, cancer can occur despite excellent health habits.”

Cancer patients may blame themselves, wondering if they did something to cause the disease. But cancer is not a punishment or a result of wrongdoing. Self-blame is common, but it's important to show yourself kindness and understanding during this time.

“Except for certain cancers with clearly identified causes, like genetic disorders, it's best to wrap up and move past the constant search for the cause of cancer as quickly as possible,” Kim stated. “Cancer isn't caused by someone's fault.”

So, how should cancer patients deal with their illness? Professor Kim offered a clue by introducing words left behind by philosopher Kim Jin-young during his battle with cancer. The passage reads: “It is best for the straight line of cancer treatment and the straight line of my life to run parallel.”

“I understood this to mean that treatment should flow as treatment, and my life should flow as my life,” Professor Kim said. “Because suffering can arise the moment these two lines overlap for any reason, one must constantly work to keep them apart,” she advised.

Of course, cancer patients cannot completely separate treatment from life, and it is natural to face physical and mental changes before and after treatment. It is okay to acknowledge these changes and take things one step at a time.

“Cancer patients need the concept of a new normal. Things that used to be effortless often feel burdensome now,” Kim said. “Accepting this as natural and finding a new way of life can be empowering. Try not to let treatment overshadow everything you enjoy. Allow yourself space for rest, joy, and discovery along the way.”