Cancer: Facing the Fear of Recurrence

Cancer recurrence can be a fairly common experience for many cancer patients. This is also the constant worry and fear of the patient. How can the patient face and overcome this fear? This article will provide more information on this issue.

Recurrence is the return of cancer to the original site or somewhere else in the body called metastasis. It is also possible to have a new, unrelated cancer diagnosed in another part of the body.
The goal of cancer therapy is to remove or destroy all cancer cells in the body through radiation or chemotherapy. However, it can still happen, unfortunately, that some cells may be left behind and reappear later in relapse or metastasis.
According to studies, the risk of cancer recurrence will depend on each type of cancer as well as the location of each person. It is possible that the recurrence rate of this cancer is higher than that of another type and depends on the time, stage of the disease, even the results of previous treatments. Although today, researchers say that there is no tool that can help accurately diagnose the time of cancer recurrence, but the periodic screening and re-examination of the patient plays an important role in helping detect disease as early as possible. If there is a suspicion of cancer recurrence, the doctor will order the patient to perform the necessary tests and procedures.

Usually, related to detecting the possibility of cancer recurrence such as collecting PET scan results ... can cause anxiety, restlessness, nervousness for patients. One of the worries that patients face is having to undergo chemotherapy and re-treat all of them. After undergoing intensive treatments, most patients hope to return to a normal life. But sometimes the results are not as expected.
Besides, the patient has another fear that the cancer will come back stronger and the next treatment will be effective or not. Furthermore, some sensitive people may even be frightened by the thought of death and what this means for themselves and their loved ones.

The anxiety and fear of cancer patients cause mental and physical decline. Therefore, people with cancer should have a solution to live with and face the disease is the best way to overcome it.
Some solutions to help patients reduce anxiety and face cancer recurrence:
Sharing the fear of cancer recurrence helps reduce anxiety and stress for patients. According to researchers, many people with cancer do not want to share, but still try to hide their fears and worries. This will make the patient always in a bad state. Researchers have pointed out that cancer patients shouldn't worry alone. Because many patients get through cancer treatment thanks to the support of the community or another support group. Patients can join a group of friends or support groups where they can discuss and share things that they may find difficult to say to their loved ones. The patient should not ignore the fear. When people tell themselves not to worry, criticize themselves, and accept their fears, focusing on how to manage anxiety can improve their mood. These concerns may increase at the time of a routine health check-up. So you can talk to your doctor so they can help you find your fear and work through it yourself. Reduce stress: Patients should find ways to manage their own stress. From there, will help reduce anxiety levels and feel more improved mood. For example, spending more time with family and friends, focusing on hobbies or activities that you enjoy, walking, meditating, exercising or reading. a funny book, watch a funny movie... Patients should choose healthy habits and lifestyle, such as healthy eating habits with nutritious meals. At the same time, have a regular exercise plan, take care of the quality of sleep ... Performing these activities can help the patient feel better both physically and mentally. Besides, patients should stay away from unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol or alcoholic beverages, etc.

Signs that a person with cancer needs help to get out of the fear of cancer recurrence include:
The patient feels anxiety or restlessness that interferes with all relationships and activities daily. Patients are always immersed in a feeling of hopelessness about the future. Patients always find it difficult to sleep and eat poorly. The patient is not interested in participating in activities with relatives and friends. The patient feels that there is nothing to look forward to for the future. Talking with a specialist will help uncover the patient's needs as well as coping strategies and resources, and the condition has not worked in the past. From there, it can help the patient have a more general view of the actual condition. In addition, specialists can provide patients with a number of skills and practices to help cope with the fear and anxiety of cancer recurrence. However, this process takes time to change, not immediately. Support from medical professionals may not completely eliminate fear for the patient, but through this process, the patient will be equipped with knowledge and skills to better deal with the disease.
Family members can support the sick person by understanding their fears. One of the things that can help patients overcome their fears is to listen to the patient's feelings, share with them their worries to make them feel more secure.

Reference source: oncolink.org