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At many different times during their treatment and recovery,
people with cancer may be fearful and anxious. For most people with
cancer, diagnosis and recurrence cause the most anxiety and fear. Fear
of treatment, doctor visits, and tests may also cause apprehension (the
feeling that something bad is going to happen). It is normal to feel
afraid. People may be afraid of uncontrolled pain, dying, or what
happens after death, including what may happen to loved ones.
Sometimes, despite having the symptoms, the person may deny having
these feelings.
Symptoms of anxiety and fear
- anxious facial expression
- trouble solving problems and focusing thoughts
- muscle tension (looks tense or uptight)
- trembling, shaking, and other signs of restlessness
If a person has these symptoms, and they are interfering with
her or his life, a mental health evaluation may be helpful. Therapy can
often help.
What to do
- Encourage, but do not force, each other to talk.
- Share feelings and fears that you or your loved one may be
having.
- Listen carefully to each other's feelings. Offer support,
but don't deny or discount feelings.
- Remember that it is okay to feel sad and frustrated.
- Get help through counseling and/or support groups.
- Use prayer or other types of spiritual support if it helps.
- Try deep breathing and relaxation exercises. Close eyes,
breathe deeply, focus on each body part and relax it, starting with
your toes and working up to your head. When relaxed try to think of a
pleasant place such as a beach in the morning or a sunny field on a
spring day.
- Talk with a doctor about using anti-anxiety or
anti-depressant medicines.
Do not
- Force someone to talk if they are not ready to.
- Tell a person to cheer up if they seem depressed.
- Blame yourself or another person for feeling fearful,
anxious, or depressed
- Try to reason with a person whose fears, anxieties, or
depression are severe; talk with the doctor about medicines and other
kinds of help.
Last Medical Review: 08/26/2008
Last Revised: 08/26/2008
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