Living with the fear of cancer’s return impacts more than just physical health; it extends to mental and emotional wellbeing as well. The uncertainty and anxiety can affect daily life, creating a constant sense of unease that influences how individuals think, feel, and navigate their relationships. This fear can shape their overall quality of life, even when there are no immediate signs of illness. It’s a reminder that the effects of cancer are not only physical but deeply psychological and emotional, affecting how one experiences the world long after treatment.
Women may find themselves avoiding plans, worried that activities might somehow trigger a relapse. They also may avoid people who don’t understand, fearing their well-meaning but unhelpful reassurances. The strain can create feelings of isolation, as though no one truly understands the ongoing uncertainty that lingers, even after the treatment has ended.
One of the most challenging aspects of the fear of recurrence is how it changes a person’s approach to life. Priorities can shift, sometimes unexpectedly. Some individuals may become more focused on their health, nutrition, and well-being in ways that feel overwhelming. Others may become hyper-aware of their bodies, constantly checking for any new symptoms or sensations that could indicate trouble. This creates a tiring cycle: the vigilance, the worry, the moments of calm followed by waves of anxiety.
However, it’s important to understand that while this fear is real, it doesn’t have to take over someone’s life. Feeling anxious is normal, but it’s also essential to find ways to manage that fear so it doesn’t control daily living. Below are some strategies that can help women cope with the fear of cancer recurrence:
- Connect with others: Talking to other women who have been through similar experiences can help reduce the sense of isolation. Support groups, whether online or in-person, can provide validation, understanding, and practical tips for managing anxiety. Our highly trained Counterpart Peer Support Volunteers are women who have lived experience of a cancer diagnosis. They provide a listening ear as someone who truly understands the challenges of life after cancer diagnosis.
- Focus on what you can control: While it’s impossible to control whether cancer will return, individuals can focus on living a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating well, exercising, and managing stress—factors that contribute to overall well-being and can help foster a sense of empowerment.
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help with staying grounded in the present moment and reduce anxiety. These techniques serve as a reminder that much of the fear of recurrence comes from uncertainty about the future, and it’s okay to pause and focus on the here and now.
- Open conversations with your treatment team: It’s important to communicate concerns openly with doctors. Healthcare providers can offer valuable information, reassurance, and a clear plan for monitoring health, helping to alleviate some of the anxiety related to the fear of recurrence.
- Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s completely normal to feel fear, anxiety, or worry about the future. Recognising and validating these emotions can make it easier to manage them more effectively.
Managing the fear of recurrence is a complex experience for many, but it’s an important journey. By focusing on the above strategies, individuals can gain a sense of empowerment. Ultimately, while anxiety is a common response, with the right tools and support, it doesn’t have to control the path forward.
Support and resources
- Contact our peer support team at Counterpart on 1300 781 500 or via email [email protected] or via their online contact form
- View the Counterpart webinar recording, Fear of recurrence where presenter Ella Sexton, a psychologist at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, discusses factors that can heighten these worries, strategies to reduce them and how to get support.
- Ongoing monitoring after a cancer diagnosis and treatment involves scans and tests, which can be a major source of anxiety. The Counterpart Scanxiety webinar explains how scan anxiety affects women and suggests strategies to help manage it.