A cancer diagnosis can bring about a rollercoaster of emotions and significantly affect mental well-being. From the moment of diagnosis, someone is thrust into a nightmarish world where nothing is the same: the body has betrayed them; their future is no longer guaranteed; and every day is a confusing puzzle filled with treatment options, tests, and fearful possibilities. Today, I’ll explore the psychological impact of cancer and offer practical coping strategies for patients and their loved ones to navigate this challenging journey.
Psychological Impact of Cancer
A cancer diagnosis can bring emotions such as fear, sadness, anxiety, stress, and overwhelm. It is normal to experience these emotions, given the uncertainty and life changes associated with cancer. According to a study by Arvanitou & colleagues (2023), anxiety and depression are common among cancer patients and can negatively impact their overall quality of life, ability to comply with treatments, and survival rates. Understanding and addressing these emotional challenges is therefore crucial for overall well-being.
Anxiety and Fear: A cancer diagnosis can trigger anxiety and fear. Uncertainty about treatment outcomes and the impact on daily life can be overwhelming. It is important to recognize these emotions as normal reactions to a difficult and unpredictable situation. Coming to a place of acceptance about this new reality can be a helpful approach for coping with anxiety and fear. The more someone fights against what is happening and refuses to accept reality, the more distress they are likely to feel as a result.
This is not to say that thinking, “I’m glad I have cancer” is the answer. However, it can help to see cancer in a more psychologically flexible way. What does this look like? It might include thoughts like:
Lots of people are going through cancer, and now I’m one of them.
Having cancer isn’t necessarily a death sentence. I’m a fighter.
I can learn to live with cancer and embrace this next chapter in my story.
There are more treatment options now than at any other time in history.
I will make the most out of each day, regardless of the outcome.
Anxiety and fear are often centered on not only the cancer itself but also on the treatments, tests, and procedures. Going through physical pain & discomfort can be a major source of distress. Feelings of dread about future experiences are common and an expected reaction.
It is so important to talk about how you’re feeling with someone you trust and to avoid shaming yourself for how you’re feeling. Cultural, societal, family-based, and gender-based “norms” can cause us to have shame reactions such as punishing ourselves for having certain feelings, stuffing them down, being stoic when in pain, and not expressing ourselves.
I like to remind my clients that all humans have emotions, and they are there for a reason. Emotions are like “alerts” that tell us to pay attention to a need that we have. For example, if you’re feeling isolated and alone you likely need more social support from loved ones or from others who are going through cancer. Addressing our feelings can reduce their intensity and help us to feel supported, strengthened, and ready to face them.