Anxiety and cancer - support from Macmillan's Online Community

5 minute read time.
Anxiety and cancer - support from Macmillan's Online Community

Members of the Online Community often talk about experiencing anxiety. This might be following a cancer diagnosis or whilst waiting for a scan or results. Anxiety levels can also increase both before and after cancer treatment.

This blog will focus on what the Online Community has shared about managing anxiety and the symptoms of anxiety. We’ll highlight some helpful tips and tools shared by our community members and Macmillan experts who are here to help in our Ask an Expert section.

The Online Community is a safe and supportive space where you can be open about your emotions.


Support is available 7 days a week

If you are struggling with anxiety today and prefer to talk things through over the phone, why not chat with someone on our Support Line. Our support team are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00email or live webchat.

Tips and tools from Macmillan and our partners:

  • Counselling support for people living with cancer – Macmillan and BUPA are working together to offer up to six sessions of free one-to-one counselling to people living with cancer

  • Support groups in your area, for practical and emotional support

  • Macmillan has teamed up with Big Health, the makers of Sleepio (for poor sleep and insomnia) and Daylight (for worry and anxiety) to provide clinically proven, mental health support for people diagnosed with cancer. To get started and for more info, visit www.bighealth.co.uk/macmillan.

  • For further reading, you can read about cancer and your emotions, and mind-body therapies on the Macmillan website.

If you ever feel your anxiety symptoms or stress is becoming unmanageable, it's important to contact your GP or health care team and tell them how you feel so they can help. The NHS 111 service is also available, 24 hours a day - 7 days a week, if you need help or advice in assessing your situation.

Ongoing support in our Online Community

Every day, we see how the Online Community is used for additional peer-to-peer emotional support. While friends and family can be a great source of support, our members often share how helpful it is to connect with others who are going through the same thing.

“I have been reading many posts and everyone is so supportive and kind and helpful with suggestions when necessary. My friends are very supportive, but I think there is nothing like talking to others going through exactly the same thing.”
Community member - Mesothelioma forum

When supporting a loved one with cancer, it’s important to make sure that you are also receiving support yourself. Friends and family who are feeling anxious can find support in the Online Community. Soon after their son was diagnosed with testicular cancer, this member joined the Online Community and found comfort in reading other members' stories.  

“I’m definitely getting some relief from the fear and anxiety this is causing all of us by reading about yours and others’ journeys.”
Community member – Testicular cancer forum

Managing Anxiety

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to managing anxiety. Members of the Online Community have shared various approaches that have worked for them.

“Are you able to get outside for walks? I find that helps reduce anxiety - listen to radio/music as you walk. I often get off to sleep listening to mindfulness apps or BBC Sounds have various sleepscapes which are good. Try not to think too far ahead, take it 1 day at a time. Keeping a journal of your thoughts can be a helpful tool too.”
Community member – Head and neck cancer forum

There are several apps, relaxation techniques, and coping strategies that can improve your well-being.

“In terms of coping strategies for the wait and the anxiety, I found the Headspace app on my phone useful. You can get the free version and it helps you concentrate on the moment, controlling your breathing and focusing on the now.”
Community member – Cervical cancer forum

Simple practices can be implemented to help you in your daily life. Some of our members, however, report experiencing severe anxiety. When this is the case, treatment options can be discussed with your GP, as medication can be an appropriate solution.

“I had medication and counselling and found both helpful. There are other things like deep breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques that I also found useful.”
Community member – Cervical cancer forum

Misinformation and anxiety

We can be overloaded with all sorts of information these days. It can be very tempting to jump online and ask Google for answers, but this can cause increased concern and anxiety. Communicating your concerns to the correct people is key.

“You’re absolutely right, I made the mistake of using Google at the beginning and it just made my anxiety worse.  I find talking here such great comfort.”
Community member – Breast cancer forum

Support from Macmillan experts

To avoid misinformation, our expert advisors are here to answer any questions you may have. They are here to provide trusted cancer information and often share tips and guidance on coping with anxiety.

A Community member, anxious about potential side effects from treatment, reached out in our Ask a nurse forum. One of our cancer information nurses responded with support and advice for dealing with emotions;

“It is common to have many different emotions when you have cancer. And, starting a new treatment especially if you don’t have enough information can make you feel anxious.

But the best way to deal with that is by talking about how you are feeling and asking questions.

Talking to your Chemotherapy team or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) about any worries or concerns you have will hopefully alleviate your anxiety going forward. So yes, communication is key.”

Share your story

If you have felt anxious recently and want to share what has helped you, you can do so in the comments below. If you see someone in your forum posting about how anxious they feel, why not share a link to this blog as the information may be helpful to them.

Any feedback, comments or concerns, are welcome below or by email at community@macmillan.org.uk .

Anonymous
  • New to this as wife of prostate cancer patient. Chemotherapy started last week. Appear to be doing well both of us. Anxiety is with me constantly, both before this happened and obviously now. I find swimming a complete head wipe and walking. Fielding off people who are with the best of intention trying to help by telling you they know exactly how you feel is really difficult. They may think this helps bit still sorting out my feelings.  Am exhausted but have to prioritise family at the moment and keep isolated as much as possible. Could easily sink into self destruction by trying to please everyone. Now is the time to do what you have to do and put yourselves first.

  • Hi NeoChorio,

    Thank you so much for sharing some of what you have and are currently going through. You make some really good points there about how others can make us feel and the importance of looking after yourself when its very tempting to want to please everyone else. 

    It's not always easy getting that balance right of supporting our loved ones and taking care of ourselves. Im glad you are able to swim and go for walks. Its amazing what physical exercise can do for our mental well-being. 

    I was glad to hear you are both doing well and I hope the Online Community continues to be safe space for you to share your feelings and receive support from others who are going through similar situations. 

    Take care,
    Dylan