How to handle it — life after cancer, in the hard moments
What to do when the head stuff hits after treatment.
A scan or follow-up's coming and the dread is taking over.
— Right now
- Name it — 'scanxiety' is real and nearly everyone gets it. You're not being dramatic.
- Stay in today. The result isn't here yet, and living in the worst-case steals the now.
- Fill the wait — distraction, mates, movement. Don't sit alone with the what-ifs.
— Don't
- Don't google survival stats at 2am. It feeds the dread and tells you nothing about you.
— Later
- Tell your team the waiting's hard — they can sometimes speed results or support you through.
A scan or follow-up's coming and the dread is taking over.
— Right now
- Name it — 'scanxiety' is real and nearly everyone gets it. You're not being dramatic.
- Stay in today. The result isn't here yet, and living in the worst-case steals the now.
- Fill the wait — distraction, mates, movement. Don't sit alone with the what-ifs.
— Don't
- Don't google survival stats at 2am. It feeds the dread and tells you nothing about you.
— Later
- Tell your team the waiting's hard — they can sometimes speed results or support you through.
After cancer: the short version
- 1.Scanxiety is real — stay in today, fill the wait.
- 2.Fear of recurrence is common and eases with talking.
- 3.The flat crash after treatment is normal.
- 4.You don't have to feel grateful on cue.
- 5.Support: Cancer Council 13 11 20.
Doing it tough?Call Lifeline 13 11 14