Managing anxiety before check-ups

Many cancer survivors say they feel worried before routine check-ups. Anxiety, poor appetite, sleeping problems, mood swings and increased aches or pains are also common. These things may happen because:

• you fear you’ll be told the cancer has come back
• going back to hospital brings back bad memories
• you feel vulnerable just when you were starting to feel more in control
• friends or family make comments that upset you.

Check-ups may feel easier once you’ve had a few and things are going okay. In the meantime, finding ways to cope with your anxiety before check-ups may help.

Coping with check-ups

• Share your concerns with people close to you so they can provide support.
• Plan to do something special after the check-up.
• Allow extra travel time so you don’t feel rushed. This can help you to feel calm and focused.
• Try to see your check-ups as a positive way you can care for yourself.
• Learn mindfulness and meditation skills, or practise deep breathing to help manage stress and anxiety.
• Book the first appointment of the day or plan another activity beforehand so you are busy and don’t have time to dwell on the appointment.
• Ask if you can go to the doctor’s consulting rooms if you are not comfortable going to the hospital or treatment centre.
• Try to book tests about a week before your next doctor’s appointment so you don’t have to wait a long time for the results.

Podcast: Managing Fear

Listen to more episodes from our podcast for people affected by cancer