
Anxiety is a common reaction to a cancer diagnosis. Cancer not only affects a person’s physical health; it can affect a person’s emotions causing anxiety and stress. Studies have found cancer patients are likely to suffer from anxiety, stress, depression, and other emotional challenges.
There are a number of treatments available for cancer patients who experience anxiety. It is important to tell your doctor what you are feeling so they can recommend a treatment plan.
Treatments for anxiety in cancer patients include:
- Medications
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Antidepressants
- Therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to learn different ways of thinking about and reacting to anxiety
- Individual (one-to-one) counseling
- Group therapy
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Laughter therapy
- Crisis counseling
- Couples and family counseling
- Support groups
- Spiritual support
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting regular physical activity
- Maintaining a support network
- Stress reduction techniques
- Biofeedback
- Breathing exercises
- Guided imagery
- Hypnosis
- Meditation
- Relaxation techniques
What Are Symptoms of Anxiety in Cancer Patients?
Symptoms of anxiety in cancer patients include:
- Inability to relax
- Difficulty controlling the worry
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headaches
- Restlessness
- The feeling of being wound up or on edge
- Difficulty sleeping (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, restless sleep, or unsatisfying sleep)
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches/tension
- Stomach or bowel problems
- Changes in appetite
- Sexual dysfunction
- Depression
What Causes Anxiety in Cancer Patients?
Causes of anxiety in cancer patients include:
- Fear of the unknown
- Uncertainty about the future
- Severe pain
- Stress about how the cancer impacts the ability to work, care for family, travel or function on a daily basis
- Fear about side effects treatments and whether they will work
- Disability
- Cancer that does not respond to treatment
- Physical problems caused by the cancer
- Lack of caregivers
- Medications that have side effects that cause anxiety

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Reviewed on 2/18/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Images
https://www.cancercenter.com/integrative-care/anxiety-stress
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2613413
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/feelings/anxiety-distress-pdq
https://www.cancercenter.com/integrative-care/anxiety-stress
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2613413
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/feelings/anxiety-distress-pdq