Table 2.

Intermediate Beliefs in Acute Cancer Settings

Intermediate belief	Reframe
If you are ill, you should rest.	Resting helps recovery from an acute illness like influenza but resting too much can be maladaptive when recovering from cancer, surgery or pneumonia
If I eat organic food and vitamins, I will be healthy.	There is no evidence that millions spent on vitamins are helpful in acute cancer settings but a healthy diet is sensible.
If I pray, God will hear and help me recover.	Hopefully. Praying can also bring people together, strengthen bonds and accept what cannot be changed. When used as an exclusive strategy in acute cancer settings, it may be limiting.
If I listen to my doctor and do what she says, I will get better.	Mostly true, but such a thought may lead to avoiding a second opinion, which is often vital in complicated acute cancer cases.
If I take pills, I am weak.	Nonadherence may result from such a belief. Pills can be described as a tool to help get the job done!
If stress causes cancer, I must get a divorce/retire early.	Untimely divorce could decrease crucial social support. Early retirement might be premature if you make a good recovery. Work and relationship stress can be improved with acute cancer CT.