Scanxiety is real – the fear of cancer recurrence
25th October 2023
Tamara Dawson with Dr Maria Ftanou & Mei Tran
2 min read
Finding a ‘new normal’ after a cancer diagnosis can be difficult. MSCAN checks in with the experts who know about cancer and have suggestions on how to live well after a diagnosis of melanoma or skin cancer.
Scanxiety is real – the fear of cancer recurrence
Australians living with melanoma or skin cancer may worry about their cancer getting worse or returning. Feeling anxious and worrying about what could come next is very normal. Many people find this fear to be one of the hardest things to cope with in trying to live well. In good news, researchers are working hard to find ways to help people manage the fear of the cancer coming back.
Some people find that there are certain times that create higher levels of stress. Patients often experience ‘scanxiety’. Scanxiety is when you feel stressed and scared before and during a scan, and while waiting for the results. This is also very normal.
It is normal to be worried that your cancer might return or progress to other parts of your body.
MSCAN put Dr Maria Ftanou and Mei Tran from the psychology team at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne On the Spot about these feelings. You can also listen to Dr Maria Ftanou’s podcast here.
Should I be worried that my cancer might return or progress to other parts of my body?
Fear of cancer recurrence is the fear or worry that cancer could return or progress in the same place or in another part of the body. It is one of the most common worries people have after finishing treatment.
Between 39% and 97% of people with cancer report having some fears about their cancer returning or progressing. Recent research at our hospital found over 8 out of 10 people with Stage 4 melanoma, who have been treated with immunotherapies, have these fears.
Has there been any research done for Australians with melanoma or skin cancer?
At our hospital in Melbourne, we ask people with advanced melanoma who have been treated with immunotherapy or targeted therapies about their experience. Survivors have told us about the challenges they face, including:
- The chronic physical effects of treatment
- Uncertainty about the future
- Concerns about the cancer returning and the end of treatment
- Challenges balancing treatment with returning to work.
We are always working to improve cancer care for survivors with advanced melanoma, as are many doctors, nurses and researchers across Australia. We work with organisations such as MSCAN and share this important information with our networks to help every melanoma patient in Australia.
Who can help?
Talking about some of your worries can help you to understand your thoughts and put them into perspective:
Family and friends
Talking to family, friends and peer supports that you trust can help you feel less fearful.
Your GP
Your doctor or nurse will be able to answer questions about your cancer and its
treatment.
Psychologist or mental health professional
Speak with your treatment team if you want a referral to a psychologist or mental health professional within your hospital.
Helpful resources
Get your copy of the Spot on Resource for a list of helpful online resources.
The Spot on Resource
This feature is part of MSCAN’s Wellbeing series which also includes content from MSCAN’s Spot on Resource. If you have been diagnosed with advanced melanoma, or know someone that has, you can order a FREE copy of MSCAN’s Spot on Resource.
More from the Wellbeing Spot
Coping with a skin cancer diagnosis
Dr. Eleanor De Ath-Miller is a registered psychologist with a Doctoral degree in clinical neuropsychology. The podcast covers evidence-based health and wellbeing
What they don’t tell you when you are first diagnosed with cancer
Pauline was 37 weeks pregnant with her second daughter when she discovered what she thought was a mole, was in fact a melanoma
The Square breathing technique
It is very common to feel overwhelmed with many thoughts when you have been diagnosed with melanoma or skin cancer. Try the Square Breathing technique to help settle your nervous system.