Stress Busters: How to remain calm while awaiting scan results

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Scanxiety: it’s a term cancer hospitals, clinics and oncology social workers use to describe the anxious feelings patients can have while waiting for scans or test results.

If you have these feelings, you’re not alone. About 60 to 70 percent of patients have increased anxiety following a cancer test, says Stacey Krause, LMSW, oncology social worker at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Port Huron.

“Feelings of anxiety are more common for cancer survivors than for people having a routine screening,” Krause says. “The fears conjure up events related to their prior experience with cancer, similar to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Patients can experience flashbacks, become sleepless and irritable, or imagine the worst case scenario. They might think, ‘What if they find something? I can’t go through treatment again.’”

While these feelings can be intense, there are strategies patients can use to reduce scanxiety. Krause offers these tips:

hands giving comfort
  • Schedule an early appointment. “When you schedule a test early, you reduce the waiting time for results. Get an approximate timeframe for when the results will be available so you’re not wondering when the call will come.”
  • Practice mindfulness. “Be aware of your emotions and take steps to place yourself in a calm state. Practice deep breathing and meditation. Listen to relaxing music. Engage in prayer. Have hope, whether it is directly related to your cancer journey or another aspect of your life, such as looking forward to an anniversary, the birth of a grandchild, a graduation, retirement or birthday.”
  • Keep a journal. “Journaling is about getting your feelings out whenever you want—you don’t even have to share your writing with others. It’s more therapeutic to physically write your feelings down rather than type them on a computer.”
  • Join a cancer support group. “Many people find it helpful to join a survivor or support group. It’s reassuring to learn you have common, shared experiences with other patients. Many support groups are available throughout the Karmanos Cancer Network.”
  • For family members or friends of a loved one experiencing scanxiety, Krause recommends having patience and empathy.

“Acknowledge your loved one’s fears and show compassion,” she says. “A lot of patients just want to be heard.”

For more information about Karmanos’ support groups, call 1-800-KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266).