How to Cope With Scanxiety

Preparing and waiting for test results that could find a serious illness like cancer can be stressful. Cancer survivors often need many scans during and after diagnosis and treatment. Feeling worried about these tests is so common, it has a name: “scanxiety.”

“Scanxiety is a state of anxiety that can come up prior to having a test or scan. This can last all the way through getting the results from your doctor. It can be quite overwhelming for patients and may lead to a variety of symptoms, including lack of sleep, heart racing, restlessness, and an inability to concentrate or even function,” said Larissa Nekhlyudov, MD, an American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) expert and Clinical Director of Internal Medicine for Cancer Survivors at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

What causes scanxiety?

Multiple exams and tests are often used to diagnose and stage cancer. These include cancer screening tests, CT (computed tomography) scans, and nuclear medicine tests like a bone scan or a biopsy. Follow-up tests are also frequently needed. So most people with cancer will have scanxiety at some point, said Dr. Nekhlyudov. One study found that this type of anxiety affects more than 70% of people with cancer.

Scanxiety can happen for a variety of reasons. For people with cancer, it often occurs at certain moments connected to a test or procedure, including:

Before the test or procedure: Some people have anxiety about specific types of tests or scans. For example, a person who dislikes being in enclosed spaces might feel anxious about getting an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). If an injected intravenous (IV) contrast is needed for a scan to give the best results, someone who is uncomfortable with needles could experience more anxiety. People may also feel anxious before and during the test as they anticipate the results that will follow.

While waiting for test results: This type of scanxiety is especially common before and after a cancer diagnosis. Cancer survivors who have follow-up testing while getting treatment or when treatment has ended report that their anxiety is highest while waiting for results. People might experience high anxiety while waiting to hear if they have cancer. Waiting to find out if cancer has grown or if it’s come back after treatment (called a recurrence) can also be stressful times.

After receiving results in a patient portal: Test and procedure results can appear in patient portals before the doctor who ordered them even reviews the results. Seeing these results can cause extra worry if the information is hard to understand. Not hearing from a doctor right away can cause more stress.

Ways to cope with scanxiety

A number of techniques may help you manage scanxiety.

Set early expectations with your doctor. “Your physician should have clear communication with you about the test, when to expect results, and what the results may mean,” said Dr. Nekhlyudov. This conversation should happen before you have the test or scan. If you’re unsure about any part of the testing process or the results timeline, ask your care team.

Practice breathing and relaxation techniques to help you stay calm before, during, and after a scan. Learning some coping techniques before the test can help you feel better prepared. For example, you can try meditation, focused breathing, or muscle relaxation. Experiment with different practices ahead of time to find the one that feels most calming.

Find and bring a support person to your appointment. If you’re still nervous about a test or a scan, bring a friend or family member with you. Often they’ll be able to join you in the scanning or testing room to help ease your nerves. Plus, they can take important notes for you.

Avoid checking your patient portal. It can be tempting to monitor the portal while you wait for important results, especially if your phone is set to notify you that a result is available. Seeing those results before your doctor has a chance to talk through them with you can cause even more anxiety.

Results can also be difficult to interpret, which can cause more stress or worry. “If you are prone to scanxiety, it’s best to avoid looking at the portal until you hear from your doctor,” said Dr. Nekhlyudov. If you don’t hear from your doctor within 2 days of being notified that your results are ready, give them a call.

Talk to a mental health professional. If you’re having a hard time coping with scanxiety on your own or are experiencing symptoms of high anxiety, talk to your doctor. They may offer information about supplements or medications that can help you manage your anxiety. They can also refer you to a therapist or counselor. Mental health professionals who work specifically with people who have cancer are trained in how to help manage cancer-related issues, including scanxiety.

Join a support group. Cancer support groups are often helpful because you can talk with people who are going through similar experiences. Ask your care team for support group options in your community.

Dr. Nekhlyudov is a member of ASCO’s Patient Information Advisory Committee.