Scanxiety by Stevie Hannickel
The National Cancer Institute states that the term "Scanxiety" describes the apprehension felt by people with cancer as they wait for their next scan. Though I would say this also includes the anxiety that is felt during the scan, and the time leading up to receiving the results too. Cancer patients and survivors like myself know this form of anxiety all too well, and we have a good reason for why we experience it.
The classic symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder can occur and be heightened when having a follow-up scan or when additional views are needed during an imaging session. Like so many who experience different forms of scans (CT, PET, MRI, etc), these may or may not require additional imaging time or sessions as well.
It very quickly becomes all about how to cope, with the goal to take your focus off of your upcoming exam or results. In 2019, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute provided 5 Approaches to Coping with Scanxiety that I have found to be helpful.
1) Stay in The Present: It's easy to get swept away by negative possibilities, so instead of fixating on what could happen, it's best to fully engage in the present. Taking note of your surroundings, fully participate in activities such as talking with a friend or going for a walk.
2) Know Yourself: Become aware of your response to anxiety and try not to judge yourself for it. "By recognizing trends, triggers, or early onset of symptoms you can address your scanxiety early on, giving yourself enough time to try an effective coping mechanism."
3) Engage in Distractions: Participate in activities such as meditating, playing games, knitting, or any other activity that helps take your focus off the exam. The Wellness Within Podcast has a lot of different meditations that can help relieve feelings of stress and anxiety. These meditations are provided free of charge and are available anytime.
4) Find your Mantra: Practices such as meditation, adopting a positive mindset, or compiling a list of inspirational quotes can help alleviate the worries of scanxiety. Also, seeking words of encouragement from loved ones can help put things into perspective and provide comfort.
5) Know that it's Okay to Worry: "While it might seem counterproductive, setting aside a limited amount of time to worry can be helpful." You can use this time to journal and reflect on positive and negative outcomes. Though it is important to limit this time to about 10-15 minutes.
"Scan Anxiety (or ‘Scanxiety’): 5 Approaches to Coping". Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, February 25, 2019, https://blog.dana-farber.org/insight/2019/02/5-tips-for-reducing-scanxiety/.
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