by Martha Van Dam

I definitely remember, that when I first was diagnosed with IBC, laughter was the last thing on my mind. The fear, anxiety and stress was so overwhelmingly crushing that it hung a dark cloud over every aspect of my life. But as time wore on and I moved through the process, I learned that humor had the potential to become a powerful friend during my own treatment and healing process…and there’s a scientific reason for this!

Many studies have shown that laughter, while obviously not a cure, can help support our recovery and improve the quality of our lives during treatment and beyond. There are important reasons for this, backed by research:

1. The Science Behind Laughter

The positive effects of laughter on the body are well-documented. When we laugh, our brains release endorphins, which are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. These endorphins help relieve pain, reduce stress, and enhance mood. Laughter also lowers levels of cortisol, a hormone linked to stress, which can have a negative impact on the immune system if chronically elevated.

I’ve just discovered that some hospitals now offer “laughter therapy” as part of their holistic treatment programs, where patients participate in activities that encourage genuine laughter. This practice isn’t just about lifting spirits—it has a tangible effect on the body’s ability to heal. I really wish I had known to ask about this when I was in active treatment!

2. Coping with the Emotional Burden

Every part of our IBC diagnosis and treatment, no matter how long it is, is emotionally exhausting. There is no way around it. Between doctors’ appointments, treatment schedules, scans, all those awful side effects and religiously watching our progress…or lack of it, it’s easy to feel weighed down by all the stress, sickness, fears and negativity. Who wouldn’t be worn down from that over time? Humor acts as a release valve for pent-up emotions, offering at least a momentary escape from the constant pressure.

Sharing a joke with friends who come to support you, watching a funny movie or stand-up, or reading a humorous book can provide a brief but valuable reprieve. We’ve all had moments when we laughed until our sides hurt and have enjoyed the relaxing feeling afterward. It’s one of life’s best joys! Laughter can shift our perspectives and it reminds us that even in the midst of really difficult struggles, there are moments of joy to be found. On a deeper level, it reminds us that IBC is a part of our lives, but there is still more to us than our diagnosis. It allows us to reclaim a sense of control, even if just for a few minutes…and that is so important when dealing with this IBC that tries to steal our sense of control.

3. Strengthening Social Connections

We’ve all experienced how IBC can be an isolating experience, leaving us feeling disconnected from people who we once felt close to. The process can leave us feeling a little distant from people we love, yet, humor can bridge that gap, helping us to reconnect with loved ones. Laughter shared among friends and family fosters a sense of togetherness, easing the feelings of loneliness that may come while dealing with our lengthy treatment.

Humor also lightens the atmosphere, making it easier for our loved ones and friends to be present and supportive. Our friends and loved ones often struggle with knowing what to say or how to treat us, and so they frequently pull back, simply out of awkwardness. Laughing together opens up conversations that might otherwise feel heavy and difficult. When we can share a light-hearted moment, it helps our friends and family support us more effectively and reminds us that we are not alone. It’s a win for everyone.

4. A Tool for Resilience

Maintaining or growing a sense of humor during IBC treatment doesn’t mean denying the seriousness of our diagnosis. Rather, it’s about choosing how we are going to respond to the challenges we must face. Humor can build resilience by helping us face the reality of our situation with a little more courage and perspective. It’s so much easier to feel strong or bold when we’ve just been laughing.

Laughter is a reminder that we are more than our diagnosis—that there is still a part of us that is vibrant, joyful, and hopeful. This is not only okay, it is vitally important! This mindset can help us stay strong through the ups and downs of treatment and beyond, giving us the strength to persevere when things are at their worst.

5. How to Find Humor When You Need It Most

If you don’t feel like a naturally funny person, or if laughter doesn’t come naturally in the midst of your journey, that’s not only okay, it’s pretty normal. It’s normal to struggle to find joy when we’re facing something as daunting as IBC. However, there are ways to invite more humor into our lives and here are some suggestions:

• Surround yourself with funny content: Whether it’s a favorite comedy series, a podcast, or a humorous book, consuming light-hearted media can bring moments of joy. Literally make a plan to find something funny to read, listen to or watch every day, and invite those around you to join in. One of my favorite comedians is Jeanne Robertson. Look her up on YouTube. She finds ways to make everyday experiences hysterical.

• Share funny stories: Ask friends and family to share their funniest moments or memories with you. Sometimes, laughing at old stories can provide a comforting sense of normalcy. You could even send out a blast email asking friends to prepare their funniest stories and to bring them whenever they come to visit.

• Join a laughter therapy group if you are lucky enough to have one at your hospital: Apparently, many hospitals and wellness centers now offer laughter yoga or humor therapy sessions (who knew??), where patients can laugh together in a supportive environment. If that is not available to you, begin to follow humorous sites on your social media and look for short jokes or funny stories that YOU can share during your treatments, with your doctors, nurses and fellow cancer patients. The algorithms should flood your feed with funny stories, memes and videos, bringing you unending humorous moments.

• Let yourself be silly: Sometimes, we need to give ourselves permission to laugh, even in difficult times. Put on a silly hat, let your children decorate your bald head with finger paint, play with a pet, or make a funny face in the mirror. Allow yourself to find joy in the simplest of things. There really are silly moments as we navigate this IBC life. I remember one day, I accidentally put my prosthetic in the wrong side of my mastectomy camisole. When I pulled it over my head, the prosthetic sat on top of my one, remaining breast, making this HUGE mountain, while my flat side looked even flatter. I looked down and burst out laughing.

Obviously, laughter won’t cure our IBC, but it can certainly make the journey a little bit brighter. By embracing humor, we’re not just coping—we’re actively choosing to live with hope, resilience, and joy. The healing power of laughter is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, light can still find its way through…and we can have Hope Always!

So, take a moment to smile, laugh, and find the humor in life. It’s a gift you can give yourself—and it might just make a world of difference.