Beating Cancer With the Heart: One Professor’s Mindset Helped Him Stay Healthy for 15 Years

A cancer survivor shares how emotional healing, self-reflection, and joy became just as vital as medical treatment in his recovery.

Westend61/Getty Images

A 7 1/2-inch tumor, lung metastasis, and multiple rounds of treatment—Han Bo-Cheng, an honorary professor at Taipei Medical University, overcame all odds to defeat liver cancer. Fifteen years later, he remains cancer-free and attributes his recovery not only to medicine, but also to one powerful force: emotional healing. His story offers hope and insight for those facing cancer or any life-altering crisis.

Healing From the Inside Out: A Cancer Survivor’s Journey

When you are diagnosed with cancer, how you face the illness and navigate treatment becomes a major concern for both you and your loved ones. For Han, the turning point wasn’t just medical—it was emotional.

In 2008, Han was diagnosed with liver cancer and discovered a massive 7 1/2-inch, 4.4-pound tumor. After undergoing surgery to remove two-thirds of his liver, the cancer later spread to his lungs. He endured 25 chemotherapy sessions, 12 rounds of radiation, and targeted drug therapy. When the cancer recurred three years later, he required another surgery. Since then, Han has remained cancer-free. Not only has he regained his health, but he also appears younger than his age—something he credits to a complete transformation in mindset.

Emotional Healing: The Missing Piece in Cancer Recovery

Han believes that a crucial part of healing lies in addressing emotions. “I am the root of all problems, and love is the answer to all of them,” Han said in an interview with NTDTV’s “Health 1+1” program—sharing a central realization that he had during his recovery.

It is understandable for patients to experience depression or irritability during treatment for such a life-altering condition; however, prolonged negative emotions can impede healing. Han emphasized that in addition to making changes in diet and lifestyle after a diagnosis, managing one’s emotional state is paramount and often the most challenging aspect.

Han said that when he first received the diagnosis of cancer, it was like “a lightning strike from the blue sky.” Initially, chemotherapy caused a loss of taste, leading him to complain about his wife’s diligently prepared meals. It was only upon seeing her tears that he apologized—an act that not only mended their strained relationship but also brought him immense emotional relief and happiness, becoming a significant catalyst in his personal healing.

The Emotional Roots of Illness

Han emphasized that chronic negative emotions can affect one’s condition. Resentment, sadness, and fear that have accumulated in the heart for a long time can weaken the immune system and even become a facilitator of disease.

Studies have shown that depression and anxiety may hinder cancer treatment and recovery, and also affect quality of life and survival rates. He reminded cancer patients that they cannot assume that receiving medical treatment will solve their problems once and for all. In fact, emotional and mental shifts are just as important.

“Don’t live in constant struggle, and don’t let negative emotions drag you down,” Han said.

Many unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as sleep deprivation and indiscriminate eating, often stem from emotional stress. Han suggested that patients reflect on the underlying emotional factors that may have contributed to their illness, such as neglected emotional management leading to an imbalance in life and compromised immunity. The key, he said, lies in acknowledging and addressing these emotions, committing to change, and strengthening one’s immunity—which can lead to the regression of cancer cells and even a positive shift in cellular memory.

“Start from the heart,” Han said. “That’s how you begin to move in the right direction.”

A Happy Heart Is Good Medicine

While diet and exercise are important, Han said that true healing also requires an internal shift toward happiness and peace. Joy, he said, is an “invisible but powerful anticancer force.”

Han said that “happiness” is readily accessible through acts of kindness, helping others, and cultivating contentment. Shifting from a mindset of complaining to one of gratitude requires compassion. When facing others’ faults, letting go of the need to argue over who is right and wrong and choosing instead to be understanding is, in fact, a way of helping yourself. This, Han said, has been a key to regaining both his happiness and his health. He suggested doing more good deeds and helping others, as your emotions and health will gradually improve as a result.

Studies have found that showing kindness and support to others, or doing good things, can improve mental health and generate positive emotions, which is related to improving physical health. Studies have also suggested that improved mood can affect certain immune parameters, thereby inducing enhanced immune function. Han said that once immunity is improved, many health challenges can be overcome. This, he said, is the simplest and most cost-effective way to stay healthy.

Inner Peace Builds Strength

After enduring multiple stages of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy over more than 10 years, Han said he continues to live a healthy life. He hopes to use his own experience to encourage more cancer patients to build the confidence needed to fight cancer and recover.

Han acknowledged that cancer patients may face complaints or misunderstandings from family members—perhaps because of emotional strain, treatment burdens, or changes in their roles at home. He advised patients to “first accept and cultivate themselves, rather than expecting everything from others, and to remain open-minded.” He emphasized the importance of cherishing life and living in the present moment, finding relaxation and happiness whenever possible. He encouraged patients to confront their vulnerabilities and then gather the courage to move forward.

“When you start changing from the heart,” Han said, “health and hope will follow.”