The ancient practice of meditation may help those struggling with a cancer diagnosis.
There are three words that can turn a person's world upside down in an instant, “You have cancer.”
While many patients begin a search for the latest high-tech treatment, some are also turning to an ancient practice to help them deal with their diagnosis.
When Michele Gossett was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she was given just a 10 percent chance of living five years.
"I had all the awfulizing, catastrophizing, ruminating and the panic and fear and terror that comes with the diagnosis," she said.
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Meditation
News 8's Crestina Chavez shares why some are turning to an ancient practice to cope with their cancer diagnosis.
 
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Meditation has helped her cope with her diagnosis.
In a class at the University of Pennsylvania, patients learn to focus on the present moment by concentrating on their breathing.
Studies show regular meditation slows the heart rate and reduces chronic pain, anxiety and the stress hormone cortisol.
While there's no scientific proof linking it to better cancer outcomes, meditation can improve a patient's quality of life.
"They should do it because right now they have a life that matters," Director of Mind-Body Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center, Michael Baime M.D., said.
Meditation has also been shown to lengthen life.
An 18 year study by the National Institutes of Health showed those who practice the ancient art outlived the national mortality average by 23 percent.
They also had a 49 percent lower rate of death from cancer and 30 percent lower rate of death from cardiovascular disease.
