Can Positive Thinking Help Beat Cancer? Inside the Power of Looking on the Bright Side

Inside Edition anchor Deborah Norville is the co-author of "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive, Live Happy," which features 101 true stories about how living happier can help you. 

Inside Edition anchor Deborah Norville knows firsthand what failure feels like. 

"I was the anchor on the 'Today' show, and then I wasn't the anchor on the 'Today' show, and personally I went ..." she trailed off, making a downward spiral gesture. 

She thought it was her dream job, and after she lost it, critics told her her career was over. 

Little did she know at the time, it was just getting started. She drew from the experience as she co-authored "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive, Live Happy," which features 101 true stories about how living happier can help you. 

"I've learned a little bit about putting yourself back together and moving forward with your life," she said.

The biggest lesson of all? Stay positive. It could save your life, literally. 

"The fact is the research shows optimistic people live longer," said Deborah. "... People who are optimistic live on average 11-15% longer."

She pointed to the case of Fred Loomis, a grandpa with stage 4 pancreatic cancer who's still alive and feeling great, despite the grim prognosis. 

"The only cure for pancreatic cancer is surgery, because I had complications, I didn't qualify for surgery," Loomis told Inside Edition. 

Doctors said they couldn't tell him whether he'd make it to Christmas, but as he looked on the bright side, Loomis did just that. The family celebrated with a trip to Disney World. 

Five years later, they've taken nine trips together, and they're always planning the next one. 

As for his cancer, Loomis still has it, but he believes he's still alive today thanks to the power of positive thinking. 

"Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive, Live Happy" is available now.

Check out two excerpts from the book here and here.

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