6 Suggestions for Coping with Fear of Cancer Recurrence

Unexpected mixed feelings can arise after cancer treatment. You may be healthier and happy about recovery yet unsure and worried about the future. Recurrence risk can especially increase anxiety and stress. Here are 6 suggestions for coping.

• Fear of cancer recurrence goes beyond depression and distress

1- Identify Your Triggers

Many experience intense concerns, particularly triggered by certain situations. Examples include a diagnosis or surgery anniversary or the birthday of someone lost to cancer. These moments can evoke suffering and difficult memories. A bodily change or lump may also trigger fear: a simple headache may feel like a brain tumor after treatment. Identify your triggers.

2- Make a Plan

After treatment, periodic tests are needed. Thinking about appointments can be stressful. List activities to distract from negative thoughts and cancer: walking, meeting friends, crafts or games. Encourage yourself to do them and remember the feeling will pass.

3- Talk About It

Family and friends are key supporters during treatment but may not understand continued anxiety afterward. Tell them their emotional support was welcome and thank them.

Talking with others who have experienced the same thing is reassuring. Join support programs to discuss worries, or associations and communities of current and former patients where fears can be shared.

4- Focus on Health

Anxiety can be reduced and comfort improved with complementary approaches, such as acupuncture, music therapy, art therapies, yogaand meditation. If helpful, prayer and worship may also be comforting.

A balanced, healthy diet is essential, and exercise is very important too. These habits help you feel better and recognize that some aspects of life are controllable.

5- Seek Counseling

Social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists, preferably experienced in psycho-oncology , help people accept recurrence risk as a normal part of the cancer experience. They can address fears and support life planning. For recurrence fear, anxiety and depression may be reduced by a psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy . Cognitive therapy identifies and changes automatic thought patterns; combined with behavioral therapy, it helps identify unhealthy beliefs and behaviors and change them positively. Uncontrollable thoughts affecting quality of life may also require medication. Consulting a specialist is useful.

6- Be Patient with Yourself

Fear generally eases with time. Though it may not disappear, it decreases as intervals between appointments lengthen and attention shifts toward activities and healthy habits.

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