Anxiety
Anxiety is common.
- Going through cancer treatment is often a very stressful experience, accompanied by side effects and associated with many emotional difficulties.
- We are not always in control of our own physical well-being and there are still many things we have yet to understand in medicine. For these and other reasons, we human being are vulnerable to anxiety.
Many patients who have completed a course of therapy for cancer also face a certain risk of cancer relapse.
- Most cancers relapse within the first five years (especially the first two to three years) and are considered cured if relapse has not occurred.
- However, some cancers can relapse late, beyond five years, such as breast cancer.
- In fact, in patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, 50% of relapses happen after five years.
The risk of relapse often puts a patient in an anxious state, worrying when and where the cancer is going to come back.
- Many types of cancer follow a pattern of relapse, but some (such as melanoma) follow no pattern.
- There are blood tests (tumor markers) that may be used for regular follow-up for certain cancers (such as ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, and prostate cancer), but effective monitoring tools are still lacking for most cancers for effective monitoring.
For examples:
- For breast cancer, reporting your symptoms to your doctor and a regular follow-up with physical exam are the most important ways for follow-up.
- Blood tests and X-rays have not been shown to be effective.
For colorectal cancer:
- A blood test called CEA may be used in certain patients.
For lung cancer: Xrays of lungs may be used.
Managing anxiety can be challenging.
- Medications may be considered when needed.
- An evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist may be beneficial.
- Often joining a support group may help alleviate the severity of the anxiety.
- Excellent social and psychological support can be a great plus to one’s life when dealing with difficult situations.
- Discussing your concerns and worries with love ones or close friends can often reduce the level of anxiety.
Of course discussing your anxiety with your doctor and seeking help is very important.
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- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Hot flashes
- Insomnia
- Joint pain
- Lymphedema
- Memory loss
- Numbness and tingling
- Pain
- Sexual changes
- Weight gain
