Fear of Cancer Recurrence

This is one of the most challenging issues that usually surfaces after treatment is over. During treatment, along with the difficulties brought by nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of hair and appetite and more, there is a sense of control that one is fighting the disease with surgery, chemo, radiation, or adjuvant (extra) longer-term treatment to prevent recurrence. One such example is in breast cancer survivors who often will take adjuvant therapy for up to 10 years after their initial treatment. During that time, it can feel that you have a weapon constantly fighting and then…nothing. In addition, your doctors may have “graduated” you and you are no longer seeing them. This should be viewed as a positive – “I know longer need my doctors or medications since I have done so well.” However, the bonds that form are like a security blanket and when it is taken away, you may feel vulnerable.

In addition, you may know people who had “exactly” the same cancer as you and graduated from care only to have a recurrence later.

First, it is normal to feel vulnerable after a cancer diagnosis and treatment. You do not know where it came from so how can you be sure it or another cancer won’t come again? For those with inherited risk, you may have subconsciously known it could happen, but it is a shock nonetheless.

Second, do not compare yourself to others. Even if 2 cancers look identical, how it behaves in your body and its environment can be different. There are factors we cannot measure that make some people respond well to a chemotherapy regimen and others are resistant even with the “same” cancer.

Time is your best friend. After all, the only way to absolutely know that there is no recurrence is to go through time. However, be reassured that if your treatment team feels you can graduate from them, it is a good sign. Your response to your treatment is a good sign. Following up with your team or your primary care and being vigilant about preventative screening can also put you in control and help you feel more secure as each normal test result comes.

There are those who will recur or even have a related cancer (hereditary syndromes). Such patients will resume care or in the case of the latter, likely enter high risk screening programs designed to offer screening or risk-reducing strategies such as preventative surgery.

Be good to yourself. The time after a cancer diagnosis and treatment when you are in remission or cured can be very emotional. It can lead to PTSD. Your body has gone through a battle, and you had to focus on it, not on your fears. Now that you can focus on your experience, you may experience sadness, anger, loss, grief, and a myriad of emotions. These are normal, but if they are affecting your day-to-day enjoyment of life, you should join support groups through your hospital or independent organizations, or seek the help of a therapist. Remember it is normal to feel this way, but you needn’t have to. There are many ways you can get help. Seek help!