I am afraid my cancer will come back
Fear of cancer coming back is very common,1 especially during the first year after your treatment.2,3 Most cancer survivors experience a fear of recurrence at some point in their journey.4
This fear may be greater if:
- You are female
- You have another condition in addition to your cancer, such as diabetes or a heart condition5
It is not unusual for you to find that living with this fear is more difficult to adjust to than your original diagnosis.1,6 However, the longer you survive, the less fearful you will feel.5
While there is no absolute guarantee that you will stay cancer-free, you can take steps to acknowledge and manage any fear you are experiencing:
- Recognise what triggers your fear; this could be a significant life event such as a birthday, or a routine screening appointment 2,3
- Think of ways to cope; for example, you could meditate before a follow-up appointment so that you feel calmer2,3
- Talk to family and friends who can listen to any fears you may have3
- Find out more about your survivorship and your ongoing treatments by asking your doctor or nurse or doing your own research; the more you know about your condition, the less fear of recurrence you are likely to experience3,5
- If your fears become too overwhelming, discuss them with a doctor or counsellor2
The fear of recurrence can be a debilitating struggle, but it is completely normal and you are not alone. Try to accept that some fear is inevitable and move forward by focusing on ways of reducing your stress, staying informed, and finding support.3
Glossary