Coping with Cancer Treatment Fears

Many cancer patients about to undergo their first treatments fear side effects. But your treatment team exists to help you get through these procedures and their after-effects, through preventing and managing those side effects. Anytime you suffer ill effects of cancer treatment, talk to your nurse, doctor, pharmacist or other treatment professional for guidance into managing the symptoms toward greater comfort.

Common Fears of Cancer Treatment

If you fear cancer treatment side effects, you probably worry about several things. These likely include:

• Loss of control over your body or wellness
• Being blindsided by side effects
• Getting through discomfort, fatigue and nausea
• Keeping up with daily needs, work, home life and social events
• Losing control over your appearance, such as in experiencing scarring or hair loss
• Difficulties with physical intimacy and reproduction after treatment
• Anxiety related to your treatment
• Being able to cope with your fears

Coping with Your Cancer Treatment Fears

There are means of dealing with your cancer treatment fears and side effects. Most of these come from understanding your cancer treatment procedures and feeling confident in your treatment choices. Some important means of managing your cancer treatment fears and side effects include:

• Remembering your treatment helps you in the long run
• Realizing today’s cancer treatments take less time, are less intense and provide better results than treatments in the past
• Accepting that you can manage many side effects through helpful medication
• Understanding most side effects go away when treatment ends
• Asking your treatment professionals about ways to manage your side effects
• Realizing you can prevent many expected side effects before beginning treatment
• Asking for referrals for community support from your treatment social worker
• Knowing which symptoms to expect and which justify contacting your doctor
• Staying involved in your own treatment and care, helping to make treatment decisions
• Talking with your loved ones and friends about your fears, concerns and expectations from treatment for their support
• Networking with other patients already receiving or completing your type of treatments, for their support and advice
• Talking with your boss or coworkers about your treatment expectations and for schedule adjustments
• Staying focused on today and not dwelling on things in the future
• Keeping a journal to give your feelings and experiences a voice
• Using relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing and aromatherapy
• Giving yourself time to adjust to treatment and its changes in your life