Gynecologic Cancer
Resource Guide

COPING WITH CANCER

In adjusting to a diagnosis of cancer, it is important to keep in mind that each person will
cope in different ways and that adjusting to the changes caused by cancer may cause
distress.

 

People with cancer may need different coping skills at these different points in time.

 Hearing the diagnosis
 Being treated for cancer
 Remission after treatment
 Learning that cancer has come back
 Stopping cancer treatment
 Becoming a long-term cancer survivor
The way people with cancer cope is usually linked to their personality traits (such as
whether they usually expect the best vs. the worst, or if they are shy vs. outgoing).

 

The way people with cancer cope is usually linked to their personality traits (such as whether they usually expect the best vs. the worst, or if they are shy vs. outgoing).

 

People find it easier to adjust if they can carry on with their usual routines and work, keep doing activities that matter to them, and cope with stress in their lives. People who adjust well to coping with cancer continue to find meaning and importance in their lives. People who do not adjust well may withdraw from relationships or situations and feel hopeless.

 

RISK FACTORS FOR DISTRESS

The following are risk factors for high levels of distress in people with cancer:

• Trouble doing the usual activities of daily living.

• Physical problems and side effects of treatment (such as fatigue, nausea, or pain).

• Problems at home.

• Unmet social and spiritual needs.

• Depression, cancer-related post-traumatic stress, or other emotional problems.

• Being diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer.

• Having experienced childhood abuse.

• Being younger, female, or non-White.

• Having a lower level of education.

 

People who have a high level of distress when they are diagnosed with cancer are more likely to have continued high levels of distress after their diagnosis.

 

Screening to determine if the person needs help adjusting to cancer is usually done by asking the person questions about how they feel, their energy level, relationships, work, and finances. People who show a medium to high level of distress may be referred to a social worker, mental health professional, palliative care specialist, or pastoral counselor for further evaluation and therapy.

 

Adjustment to Cancer: Anxiety and Distress (PDQ®)–Patient Version - National Cancer Institute

 

CONSEQUENCES OF ANXIETY

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. When you have cancer, you are more likely to have feelings of anxiety. Because of this, you may not feel like you want to socialize as much. That can affect your quality of life. At times, you also may struggle to complete your usual activities. Anxiety may cause the following:

• Worry

• Restlessness

• Muscle tension

• Trouble sleeping

• Feeling uneasy, scared or nervous

• Crankiness, impatience or irritability

• Trouble concentrating

• Physical changes that may include a faster heartbeat, sweating, trouble breathing, headache, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and high blood pressure.

•  

Having good mental health is important for healing. There are things you can do to manage anxiety. It often helps to keep track of the strategies you try in a tracking log.

 

Anxiety – Mayo Clinic Living with Cancer Guide

 

SCANXIETY

“As part of your cancer treatment, your care team may order imaging scans to check how your treatment is going. These scans help them decide if they need to make any changes to your treatment plan. But they can also make you feel anxious (worried or afraid). Anxiety caused by imaging scans is called scanxiety.”

“Scanxiety is a common response to having scans. Everyone has different amounts of scanxiety. Some people feel mild (slight) worry, while others feel strong panic or distress.”

“Everyone has scanxiety at different times too. You might feel scanxiety before a scan, during a scan, while waiting for results, or at all three times.”

Managing Scanxiety During Your Cancer Treatment | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

 

 

Patients living with cancer experience a range of emotions such as anxiety and
distress. 
​Anxiety is an emotional feeling of uneasiness, nervousness and fear caused by stress
or a stressor.
Distress is emotional, mental, social, or spiritual suffering.
Patients who are distressed may experience feelings of sadness to a loss of control to
depression, anxiety, panic and isolation.
​
These emotions can affect the quality of life of patients, including the lives of their loved
ones. Patients with cancer have different levels of distress, depending on their ability to
adjust to living with cancer. Below are a few terms used to describe the less severe
levels of distress in cancer patients:
​
Normal adjustment—A condition in which a person makes changes in his or her life to
manage a stressful event such as a cancer diagnosis. In normal adjustment, a person
learns to cope well with emotional distress and solve problems related to cancer.
​
Psychological and social distress—A condition in which a person has some trouble
making changes in his or her life to manage a stressful event such as a cancer
diagnosis. Help from a professional to learn new coping skills may be needed.
​
Adjustment disorder —A condition in which a person has a lot of trouble making
changes in his or her life to manage a stressful event such as a cancer diagnosis.
Symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or other emotional, social, or behavioral
problems occur and worsen the person’s quality of life. Medicine and help from a
professional to make these changes may be needed.
​
Anxiety disorder—A condition in which a person has a lot of anxiety from a stressful
event such as a cancer diagnosis. The anxiety affects his or her ability to manage
emotions, social relationships, and work life. Symptoms of anxiety disorder include
extreme worry, fear, and dread. When the symptoms are severe, it affects a person's
ability to lead a normal life.
​
Due to the risks of high distress levels in cancer patients, it is important for those who
are having trouble coping with cancer, to consider talking with a professional about their
concerns and worries. These specialists may include
 Mental health professional such as a psychologist and psychiatrist
 Social worker

 Palliative care specialist
 Religious counselors