Cancer survivors can continue to fear recurrence after treatment

Fear of cancer returning can remain after treatment ends, particularly before check-ups or while waiting for scan results, KVF reports. The broadcaster’s fourth episode of Aftaná, a series about life after cancer, examines this anxiety, often called “scanxiety”.

Scanxiety describes the emotional strain some people who have had cancer experience around scans and follow-up appointments. It can begin days or weeks before an examination and last until the results arrive. The uncertainty about whether the cancer has returned can be as difficult as the scan itself.

The anxiety can affect sleep and concentration, or cause physical stress, a racing heartbeat and restlessness. Fear of recurrence may persist even when there are no signs that the disease has returned.

Scanxiety is not a diagnosis in itself, but a term for a real and sometimes demanding emotional response. When the fear significantly affects sleep, daily life or wellbeing, support may be available from healthcare professionals, a psychologist, family and friends, or others who have had cancer.

The episode features Helena Heðinsdóttir Guttesen, a trained educator and student at the University of the Faroe Islands; self-employed Vivian Sjóðklett; Høgni Rúnuson Øster; and Eyð Gudmunddson, a nurse specialising in cancer treatment and care. Gudmunddson works part-time at the oncology outpatient clinic at the National Hospital and part-time for the Cancer Society, and is also part of the hospital’s rehabilitation team. The series is available on KVF Audio.