You’ve completed your cancer treatment and are ready to move on with your life and put cancer behind you, but you can’t. Perhaps you feel lost without regular contact with doctors and nurses. Perhaps you feel worried that you’re no longer acting against the cancer. And then there’s the constant worry that the cancer will come back. Suddenly every ache or pain is a threat.
Worrying about cancer coming back is completely natural. Most people who have been through cancer treatment live with some worry and uncertainty, and this doesn’t mean they are not coping with life after treatment. However, while some people are able to move on with their life with acceptance of some uncertainty, others live in constant fear of the cancer returning. If this is you, you might find our booklet Worrying about cancer coming back useful – order it now for free.
After having just undergone perhaps the most straining and emotional period of your life, it is very difficult to return back to ‘normal’ and let go of any anxiety you may have. But learning to manage your feelings is perhaps the most important step to a full recovery from cancer. Many people find the uncertainty of cancer difficult to manage, so it might be a good idea to try and focus on what you can change and control yourself. Below are five ways you can do that.
Certain situations may trigger your worry about cancer coming back. This could be hearing a song that was popular when you were undergoing therapy, approaching a follow-up appointment, or hearing of someone else being diagnosed with the same cancer. Once you know what your triggers are, try to plan how you can handle them. For example, think of ways you can distract yourself while waiting for a follow-up appointment. Also, remember that no two cancers are alike, even if they are the same type, so comparing yourself with others who’ve been diagnosed is not usually helpful.
The saying ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ often rings true for many. Talking through your worries helps you to understand them and puts them in perspective. It can also stop you going over things repeatedly to yourself.
Some people might want to put on a brave face to protect those close to them. But this means your friends and relatives will not know what you are really thinking, which can make you feel more alone. Try to open up to someone you trust and feel comfortable with. If you find it difficult to talk to those close to you, consider joining a support group, using Macmillan’s online community, or visiting your GP for a counselling referral. You can also call Macmillan on 0808 808 00 00 to speak to our cancer support specialists.
Some people find it very reassuring to have an active role in their healthcare. This can include finding out more about:
It’s very important that you know which symptoms to look out for, and that you attend any check-ups or tests. You’ll probably feel nervous about these visits, but if your cancer does come back, finding it early can make it easier to treat.
Many people want to make positive life changes after cancer treatment. This can give you back a sense of control. We have booklets about Giving up smoking, Physical activity and cancer treatment, Managing your weight after cancer treatment, Healthy eating and cancer and Cancer and complementary therapies.
Some people find creative activities such as writing, painting and singing are therapeutic. They can help you express and work through your emotions.
Many people who recover from cancer find that life after treatment can be lonely. The doctors, nurses, family and friends who surrounded you before are not around as much and you may find it difficult to reach out. Worrying about cancer coming back may also cause you to avoid social situations and eventually lead to depression.
Recognising your own depression is difficult. If you or someone else believes you should seek help, there are organisations that can help:
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) can point you to qualified counsellors. It has a database on its website where you can search for a counsellor near you.
Maggie’s Centres provide information about cancer as well as emotional and psychological support.
We hope this blog has helped you and given some useful information. Remember, you can call Macmillan 0808 808 00 00 – there are nurses who can answer any questions about your cancer or treatment, and support specialists who can lend an ear and let you talk through your worries.
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