Will My Cancer Come Back? Coping with the Fear of Recurrence

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Will My Cancer Come Back? Coping with the Fear of Recurrence

By Lila Havens, HealthAtoZ Writer

If you have had cancer, you are one of more than 10 million cancer survivors in the United States. While each person is unique, many cancer survivors share some common concerns. One of the most basic is the fear that their cancer will come back.

No one can guarantee that you won't have cancer again. There is a chance that the same cancer could come back, or you could have a new type of cancer. Many people find this uncertainty hard to live with.

If you're struggling with the fear of recurrence, your best bet may be to take an active role in your health. Here are some things you can try:

Be your own health care advocate.
Find ways to manage your emotions.
Choose a healthy lifestyle.

Be your own health care advocate
Many cancer survivors become experts on their disease and how to access medical care. Learning to advocate for yourself can be a source of strength and may help you feel more in control of your life.

See your doctor for regular follow-up. Most cancer survivors need to see their doctor every three or four months in the first two or three years after treatment and then once or twice a year afterward. Find out how often your doctor wants you to come for follow-up visits, and keep every appointment.
Communicate with your doctor. If you have questions, make a list ahead of time, and then take notes during your visit. Don't be afraid to ask for more time or another appointment. Tell your doctor if you are having any new symptoms or trouble getting back to your normal activities.
Keep good medical records. Make a binder or folder with all your test reports, treatment types and dates, and other information about your cancer. Take this information anytime you see a new doctor.
Be well-informed. Know which symptoms might mean the cancer has come back. Learn about the long-term side effects of your treatment and what you can do to ease them.

Find ways to manage your emotions
People who have survived cancer often experience a range of emotions. It's normal to feel down at times or worry about cancer coming back. These feelings often decrease over time. If they continue, they can create unhealthy stress.

If fear or anxiety is making it hard to enjoy life:

Get your feelings out. Talk to loved ones, or join a cancer support group. Some people feel more able to express such emotions as fear or anger by keeping a journal or writing a blog.
Look for ways to relax. Yoga, meditation or guided imagery may help. Exercise is also a great stress-reducer.
Do things that make you feel good. Spend time with children or pets. Watch a funny movie. Talk to a friend who always makes you laugh. Attend religious services or donate your time to a worthy cause.
Be patient with yourself. You have been through a stressful time. Try not to judge yourself if you don't bounce back as quickly as you'd like. Also, expect setbacks during difficult occasions such as the anniversary of your diagnosis or the death of a friend or loved one who had cancer. Even follow-up visits to your doctor can bring on anxiety.

If you feel sad, hopeless or anxious for more than two weeks, be sure to tell your doctor. There may be treatment that can help.

Choose a healthy lifestyle
Many people manage their fear by adopting healthy habits. Research has shown that some lifestyle choices may lower the risk of cancer. Whether they help prevent recurrence, no one knows for sure. But they are good general health habits. It can't hurt to try them. They can also help lower your risks for diabetes and heart disease.

Stay at a healthy weight for your height. Try to avoid weight gain, especially around your waist.
Get 30 minutes of physical activity every day. Walking, swimming and riding a bike are good choices for many people. But household chores, yard work and gardening count, too. Just try to move more. Always check with your doctor before increasing your activity level.
Make healthy food choices. Eat high-fiber, plant-based foods such as whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables. Limit red meat and salt.
Avoid unhealthy foods, such as smoked and cured meats, sugary drinks and fast food.
Limit alcohol. Ask your doctor if it is okay to drink alcohol. If cancer has affected your liver or if you are on certain medications, any alcohol may be a bad choice.
Don't smoke.

Remember, you don't have to be perfect. Even making a little progress toward these goals could have benefits.

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Fri, Nov 21, 2008



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