Healing Cancer With 3 Key Strategies: Insights From a Recovered Professor

Beyond conventional medicine lie many options for healing the body, mind, and spirit.

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In 2008, Bor-Cheng Han, a professor in the Department of Public Health at Taipei Medical University, discovered he had a 7.5-inch tumor in his liver. After removing nearly two-thirds of his liver, the cancer cells then spread to his lungs. He underwent 25 chemotherapy sessions and 12 radiotherapy sessions and took targeted oral medications. Three years later, he underwent surgery again due to a recurrence of liver cancer.

Today, Mr. Han has successfully battled cancer for 15 years with no recurrence or the need for medication. He is now not only healthier but also more energetic than ever. His cancer journey has led him to reflect on the true secrets of achieving physical well-being. In the Epoch Times’ “Health 1+1” program, he delved into his self-healing methods, sharing personal experiences and invaluable insights on overcoming cancer.

Mr. Han was diagnosed with acute hepatitis at the age of 31, prompting him to prioritize his diet and overall health. Nevertheless, he was still diagnosed with liver cancer at 51. His journey through cancer led to a profound realization that true health requires the nurturing of four aspects: physical (diet and exercise), emotional, spiritual, and social harmony. It is only by nurturing all these aspects simultaneously that one can effectively prevent and combat cancer.

He offers the following insights:

1. Anti-Cancer Diet

Mr. Han follows the 5S principles below when it comes to a cancer-fighting diet:

1. Selection: Choose fresh, seasonal, non-toxic, and clean foods.

2. Simple: Consume foods prepared with simple cooking methods, and minimize consumption of highly processed foods.

3. Small: Eat in moderation and avoid overindulgence.

4. Slow: Chew slowly while eating.

5. Smile: Eat with a joyful mindset as it promotes digestion and absorption.

Throughout his cancer journey, Mr. Han incorporated homemade fruit and vegetable juices into his daily routine, aiming to correct his previously selective eating habits and ensure he received all essential nutrients while detoxifying his body. Starting with a daily intake of 50 to 68 ounces of juice, he has now reduced to 10 to 16 ounces per day. This, along with his self-adjusted diet, allows him to maintain a balanced nutritional intake.

Ingredients in his juices include vegetables and fruits, as well as nuts and spices, typically totaling around twenty to thirty varieties. The proportion of vegetables are generally twice that of fruits. He also incorporates spices such as cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, and black pepper that not only possess excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but also provide a warming quality to balance the cooling nature of vegetables and fruits. Seeds such as white sesame, black sesame, and flax can also be included to enhance nutritional diversity and balance.

A literature review published in Nutrients in 2016 suggested that spices such as turmeric, black pepper, chili pepper, and saffron have anticancer effects.

Furthermore, Mr. Han emphasized the concept of “moderation in food consumption,” which essentially means eating a bit more of what benefits the body and a bit less of what does not. He stressed the importance of not becoming overly fixated on food and suggested that, with a relaxed attitude towards eating, one can effectively combat cancer and promote overall well-being.

After being diagnosed with cancer, Bor-Cheng Han experienced a profound shift in his mindset, becoming more optimistic and gentle. Photo courtesy of Bor-Cheng Han

2. Mindset Adjustment

A study published in the SSM - Population Health journal in 2022 confirmed that chronic stress may be associated with an increased risk of cancer-specific mortality. The researchers conducted a retrospective analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning from 1988 to 2010, along with the National Death Index data up to Dec. 31, 2019. The results showed that participants with high allostatic load, a measure of cumulative stress, had a 14 percent increased risk of cancer death.

After being diagnosed with cancer, the most significant change in Mr. Han was that he became gentler and more relaxed. Previously, he had been dealing with high levels of stress, resulting in tension and emotional challenges. Additionally, his interpersonal relationships had also suffered. He explained that harboring negative emotions such as hatred, sorrow, and grief can cause immerse stress, ultimately leading to a state of chronic inflammation.

Mr. Han underwent significant changes in his mindset. He adopted an optimistic and positive outlook on life, approaching challenges with equanimity. He learned to relax, let go of grudges, and even offered apologies while seeking reconciliation with others. As a result, he became happier in his daily life.

The most notable example was the improvement in his relationships with his wife and daughter. Mr. Han recalled an incident during his chemotherapy when his wife prepared a meal for him, and he complained that it was not delicious enough. His wife teared up in response to his criticism. It was at that moment that he realized he had been carrying a complaining attitude towards his family. He questioned himself, “Does harboring such negative emotion benefit my health? Why have I been having conflicts with my wife since we got married?”

In that moment, Mr. Han decided to let go of all the grievances and unhappiness he had harbored towards his family. He apologized to his wife, saying, “I was wrong.” As soon as those words escaped his lips, he felt an immediate release of stress, and his entire body relaxed. He had a strong sense that their relationship would take a positive turn.

Mr. Han’s relationship with his daughter followed a similar pattern. Like many Asian parents who have high expectations for their children, he used to employ a strict parenting style, which placed significant pressure on his daughter and led to emotional trauma.

Mr. Han came to the realization that imposing pressure on someone is not an expression of love—it only serves to create greater distance between family members. Therefore, he offered apologies to his daughter for their past disagreements, reinitiated conversations, and bridged the gap between them—ultimately mending their father-daughter relationship.

When it comes to changing one’s mindset, Mr. Han mentioned that he often heard the phrase “cultivate yourself, don’t demand from others.” However, it is easier said than done because most people lack the resolution to do so. He realized that the key is to first acknowledge one’s past mistakes, then commit to change. By continuously improving oneself, it is also possible to rediscover love for the people around you. As he put it, “When love returns, cancer departs.”

Cancer Is Not the End of the World

A comprehensive review published in the journal Trends in Cancer in 2019 mentioned that cancer is not just a physical disease—its psychological and social impacts pose numerous challenges throughout the treatment and recovery process. Similar to how malignant cells grow and spread within the body, negative mindsets can also cast a shadow over a patient’s life experience.

The review also pointed out that the cancer experience can actually serve as a catalyst for positive change. having a mindset of “cancer can be an opportunity” can inspire personal growth, foster a renewed appreciation for life, or motivate important lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthier diet and exercising.

A study published in Health Psychology in 2022 surveyed 273 breast and gynecologic cancer survivors. The survey found that 65.9 percent of survivors agreed with the statement “cancer can be an opportunity,” 52.4 percent agreed that “cancer is manageable,” while only 20.1 percent endorsed the view that “cancer is a catastrophe.” Interestingly, survivors who endorsed the latter mindset reported a lower health-related quality of life compared to those who endorsed the first two mindsets.

3. The Importance of Relieving Stress

Mr. Han adopted a foot-soaking technique practiced in yoga for effectively relaxing both the body and mind. This method is simple to perform and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. Soak your feet in cold water with a dash of coarse salt each night before bedtime. You can use warm water instead if it is too cold during the winter. Make sure to clear your mind and avoid talking, eating, using a cell phone, or reading. Simply sit quietly, soak your feet for ten minutes, and then rinse and dry them with clean water afterward.

Mr. Han explained that this foot-soaking method simulates immersing your feet in seawater, which can help calm and relax your mind. It has a regulating effect on both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. In addition to promoting better sleep, it can also enhance complexion, energy levels, and mental clarity. He further elaborated that by soaking your feet in cold water, your mind becomes calmer, preventing restlessness. This practice helps release accumulated negative emotions from the day and also provides a cooling effect on the liver, thus enhancing its detoxification function.

Mr. Han’s Two Key Takeaways From His Cancer Journey

1. The solutions to your problems often lie in new and unfamiliar territories. For example, while consulting a medical professional is crucial when dealing with illness, it does not have to be restricted to conventional Western medicine. There are numerous alternative therapies available globally—feel free to explore them with an open mind.
2. Maintaining health encompasses five key aspects—emotional well-being, physical activity, healthy diet, good sleep, and spiritual growth. Mr. Han emphasized that true health comes from nurturing one’s spiritual growth, which can be achieved through acts of kindness, compassion, and love towards others.