Meet Sarah, a resilient woman in her late 40s who has been battling stage IV metastatic melanoma. After enduring the uncertainties of her diagnosis, Sarah achieved a remarkable remission through immunotherapy, a victory that brought her and her loved ones immense relief. However, the journey doesn’t end there. Sarah now faces the ongoing challenge of surveillance scans every 3-4 months to monitor her condition. Each scan appointment triggers overwhelming fear and heart-stopping anxiety. She often describes the tension as unbearable, particularly in the moments before I enter the room with her results. Yet, the anxiety swiftly melts into profound relief when I deliver the good news that her scans remain clear, allowing her to breathe easy—at least until the next round of scans.
As an oncologist, one of my primary goals is to alleviate the fears and anxieties experienced by my patients as they navigate through the complexities of cancer care. One prevalent concern that frequently emerges is the anxiety surrounding diagnostic scans, commonly referred to by patients as “scanxiety.”
“Scanxiety” or scan associated anxiety is a term frequently used by patients to describe the distress experienced before, during, or after cancer related scans. “Scanxiety” refers to heightened anxiety experienced by patients in the days or weeks leading up to a scheduled scan, during the actual scan procedure, and in the period preceding the receipt or review of the results.
How to know if you are experiencing “scanxiety”
- Increased worry or nervousness leading up to the scan appointment.
- Difficulty sleeping or changes in sleep patterns.
- Feeling restless or on edge.
- Physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, or gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Obsessive thoughts about the results of the scan and what they may indicate about the progression of the disease.
- Avoidance behaviors, such as avoiding appointments or discussions about the scan.
- Heightened emotional responses, including mood swings, irritability, or tearfulness.
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks.
- Seeking reassurance from healthcare providers or loved ones.
- Experiencing flashbacks or traumatic memories associated with past scan results.
How can you treat or prevent “scanxiety?”
- Educate Yourself: Learn as much as you can about the scan procedure, what it entails, and why it’s necessary. Understanding the process can help alleviate some of the fear of the unknown.
- Express Your Feelings: Don’t hesitate to share your concerns and fears with your healthcare provider or support network. Expressing your emotions can help alleviate some of the anxiety and provide a sense of relief.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation into your daily routine to help calm your mind and body.
- Stay Busy: Engage in activities that can distract your mind from worrying about the scan, such as hobbies, exercise, or spending time with loved ones.
- Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family members, or support groups who can offer understanding, empathy, and encouragement during this challenging time.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that feeling anxious about scans is normal and that experiencing scanxiety does not necessarily indicate a negative outcome. Try to stay positive.
- Communicate with Your Healthcare Team: Maintain open communication with your healthcare provider and express any concerns or questions you may have about the scan. They can offer reassurance and support throughout the process.
- Practice Self-Care: Take care of yourself by prioritizing activities that promote physical and emotional well-being, such as eating healthily, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.
- Consider Therapy: If scanxiety significantly impacts your daily life and well-being, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor who can help you develop coping strategies to manage your anxiety.
- Take it One Step at a Time: Remember that you’re not alone, and it’s okay to feel anxious. Focus on taking things one step at a time and celebrate each small victory along the way.
Sarah’s story is a powerful reminder of the emotional toll that ongoing surveillance can take on cancer survivors. While the fear of recurrence is real, it’s important to remember that the anxiety experienced before scans is a natural response to a life-altering situation. By employing strategies to manage “scanxiety” and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers, patients like Sarah can find a path to peace of mind amidst the uncertainty. Although the journey is fraught with challenges, every clear scan is a victory worth celebrating, reinforcing the hope that continues to drive their fight against cancer.
Dr. Sajeve Thomas is a distinguished medical professional and a compassionate guide in the field of oncology. With over a decade of dedicated experience as a board-certified medical oncologist/internal medicine specialist, Dr. Thomas has become a trusted expert in the treatment of melanoma, sarcoma, and gastrointestinal conditions. Currently practicing at the renowned Orlando Health Cancer Institute, he brings a wealth of expertise to the complex and challenging world of oncology.