Scans + Anxiety = Scanxiety
Despite being a psychologist, it took me three rounds of chemotherapy to address my scanxiety, a heightened fear of cancer scan results. Anxiety is a natural emotion essential for survival, triggered by threats. In cancer diagnoses, the fear response can be particularly acute, often leading to long-lasting anxiety. In this article, I explore how scanxiety, fear of both scans and their results, is a form of specific phobia and share strategies for managing it.
The Emotional Balance of Cancer & Infertility
Cancer profoundly impacts fertility, necessitating challenging decisions for individuals across diverse life stages, from young high-risk patients to those further along in life. The emotional toll, marked by the loss of body image, relationships, and dreams, is profound and persistent. Healthcare professionals are increasingly emphasizing risk-reducing options, early consultations with reproductive specialists, and therapeutic psychological support. Despite the difficulties, the power of choice and decision-making provides hope and empowerment amidst adversity.
Handling your friend’s cancer risk like a boss
As we’re all too aware, cancer doesn’t discriminate and chances are one day, someone we know will have cancer. So what can we do to help? What do we say? In this article, I share some of my top recommendations for supporting your friend who may have discovered they either have a high-risk of cancer, or have indeed received their own diagnosis.