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AMC<\/p>\n
The seemingly outlandish storyline of “Breaking Bad”<\/a> \u2014 about a cancer-stricken chemistry teacher who turns to crime to pay for his treatment \u2014 has some basis in reality.<\/p>\n A study published in the American Economic Journal<\/a>\u00a0indicates that a cancer diagnosis increases the likelihood of a person committing crime by 14%. The experts \u2014 Steffen Andersen, Elin Colmsj\u00f6, Gianpaolo Parise, and Kim Peijnenburg \u2014 examined data covering the Danish population between 1980 and 2018.<\/p>\n According to the study, cancer patients are less likely to turn to a life of crime as quickly as Walter White (Bryan Cranston) does on “Breaking Bad.” It’s more likely to occur after the affected parties have received their treatment. Like Walt, however, making money is the main reason why people turn to crime following a cancer diagnosis. This is due to a combination of making up for lost earnings due to the inability to work, and reduced fear of legal consequences \u2014 a lengthy prison sentence may not sound as threatening to someone who doesn’t expect to live much longer.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Breaking Bad can help people affected by cancer, actually<\/p>\n
AMC<\/p>\n “Breaking Bad” depicts an extreme case of someone turning to crime following a cancer diagnosis. That said, some researchers recommend that real-life people affected by the disease should watch Vince Gilligan’s acclaimed crime drama<\/a> to reshape negative thinking.<\/p>\n A study by Ewan Bowlby, which can be found on Sage Journals<\/a>, documented reactions from patients who watched “Breaking Bad.” The study highlights how people affected by cancer can become isolated and more focused on themselves, rather than seeking emotional support from positive role models. Bowlby noted that real people related to Walter White’s situation but ultimately viewed him as an example of how not to react to a diagnosis.<\/p>\n
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