Scanxiety - Definition, Phases, symptoms, and learning how Coping with it
The stress is real
What is Scanxiety?
For individuals diagnosed with cancer, you may be asked to do imaging scans as part of your cancer treatment to determine the effectiveness of your treatment plan, whether they are being done for diagnosis, to track treatment progress, or to screen for a recurrence. It can be challenging to manage. These scans help your care team determine if they should change or alter your treatment plan.
Scanxiety is a term used to describe the feeling of anxiety or fear experienced by individuals who are awaiting the results of a medical scan or imaging test, such as a MRI or CT scan. The term is a combination of the words “scan” and “anxiety.”
The anxiety associated with scanxiety can be caused by a number of factors, including the fear of receiving a diagnosis of a serious illness, uncertainty about the outcome of the test, and concerns about the discomfort or invasiveness of the procedure. For individuals who have previously undergone treatment for a serious illness, scanxiety can be particularly intense, as they may be anxious about the possibility of a recurrence or the need for further treatment.
Scanxiety is a common experience among individuals who undergo medical testing, and can be difficult to manage. Some strategies that may help alleviate scanxiety include mindfulness techniques, distraction, talking to friends or family members about your concerns, and seeking support from a therapist or counselor.
Phases of Scanxiety?
Having imaging scans can cause a wide range of emotions. Feeling stress and worries during the scans is a common response. These feelings are common during these three phases, “before the scan,” “during the scan”, and “waiting for the scan results”. To be more precise, here are some common phases that individuals with scanxiety may experience:
Pre-Test Anxiety (before & during scans): This phase occurs before the medical test and can be characterized by nervousness, worry, and fear of the unknown. Individuals may worry about the test results, the procedure itself, or the possible implications of the results. Before your scans, if you experience scanxiety, you could get anxious and stressed as soon as it is scheduled. The days before your scan could be stressful for you. You may feel anxious getting ready for your appointment on the day of your scan. These feelings of anxiety and worries may occur in the waiting area or on the drive to your hospital. You may feel uneasy within the scanner during the process if you have scan anxieties. Some scanners have a tight, limited interior. You might experience fear or a sense of being trapped. The unpleasant noises the scanner generates may also make you nervous. Some scanning tables do not have cushions and are usually hard and cold. It could be unpleasant lying on them. Furthermore, you may find it challenging to remain still in one posture for a lengthy period.
Waiting Period Anxiety (after scans): This phase occurs after the test has been conducted, and individuals are waiting for the results. This phase can be particularly difficult because of the uncertainty and the lack of control over the situation. During this phase, individuals may experience increased anxiety, stress, and difficulty sleeping or focusing. Most cancer patients get scanxiety after a scan while you await the results. You may keep thinking the same nervous thoughts repeatedly. The waiting may be stressful if it takes longer than expected to get your results. It could also trigger unpleasant recollections of disappointing scan results, and that reminder can increase feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and insecurities.
Post-Test Anxiety: This phase occurs after the results have been received, and individuals may experience anxiety and fear related to the test results. Depending on the results, individuals may experience relief or additional anxiety and stress, and may need to undergo further testing or treatment.
Coping and Recovery: This phase involves managing the anxiety and stress associated with the test results and seeking support from loved ones or medical professionals. Coping strategies may include mindfulness techniques, therapy, or lifestyle changes.
It is important to note that not everyone will experience all of these phases, and the intensity and duration of each phase may vary from person to person. Seeking support and practicing self-care during these phases can help individuals manage their scanxiety and improve their overall well-being.
Whether you like it or not, Scanxiety is real !
( Joseph L. Wong )
SCANXIETY How to manage scanxiety?
Talking about how you feel is the first step in treating your scanxiety. Those in your family and circle of friends might be anxious. You and they both might find comfort in talking to each other. Your Clinical care team can also provide you comfort, assistance, and direction. Informing them about your feelings and those of your loved ones is always a good idea. There are several things you may do to manage your scanxiety before, during, and after your scan. Try out these coping strategies to see what works best for you. There is no right or wrong method to manage your scanxiety.
Before the scan:
- If possible, schedule your scan during early morning. If you get your scan earlier in the day, you might not have to wait too long. As a result, you will have scanxiety less frequently.
- Make a list of queries to ask your care provider, the following are some relevant questions:
- What must I do in order to prepare for the scan?
- Who should I contact if I’m still waiting for my results?
- What would happen during the scan?
- When will the scan be finished?
- What are the following steps if the scan indicates that my medication is not working?
- How do I receive my results?
- When will I receive my results?
- Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns, make your appointment a week earlier so that you have sufficient time to ask more and give them the time to help you plan ways to be more comfortable and relaxed.
- Keep contact with family and friends. Discuss the upcoming scan with your family and friends. Inform them of your thoughts. Creating a support system for yourself during cancer treatment is essential. Expressing your feelings with those who care about you can help you relax and reduce your scanxiety.
- Confirm when and how your scan results will be delivered. Inform your care team if you are nervous about waiting for your results. Develop a strategy with them for when and how you will receive your results.
- Participate in a support group. It may be reassuring to talk with other cancer patients. You can explore how other people deal with scanxiety and remember that you are not alone.
- Do relaxation exercises Try relaxation methods like deep breathing, stretching, or meditation the morning of your appointment. These activities can help you control your stress, lessen scanxiety, and feel more prepared for your scan.
- Consult with your radiologist. When you arrive for your appointment, inquire about what will happen and how long the scan will take. This will prepare you for what is to come. You can also request items that will make you feel more at ease inside the scanner. This could be an eye mask, a blanket, or headphones for listening to music.
- While you wait, engage in some relaxing activities. You can stream a movie, listen to music, or read a book on your phone or tablet. Bring anything that comforts you while you wait. This could be a toy, game, book, or thing that puts you at ease.
- You can practise deep breathing to help you relax throughout your scan. Some scans allow deep breathing, but not all because it can interfere with the imaging process. Ask your radiologist or technician whether you can practise deep breathing within the scanner before your scan.
- Bring a family member or friend. While you’re in the waiting area, a friend or relative can offer you support and assist you in maintaining your calm. They may not accompany you during the scan, but they can comfort you before and right after it is over.
- Plan a time to review your results. If you plan on receiving your results in person, make your appointment as soon as possible after your scan. The hospital will reassure you by hearing from the healthcare provider who reviewed your scan. You may feel more in control when you are aware of an appointment. Also, it may make you feel more prepared to receive the outcomes.
- If your results take longer than usual, speak with your care team.
- If it makes you more at ease, bring a loved one with you when you receive the results.
- Keep yourself occupied. Spend your wait time engaging in enjoyable and stress-relieving activities, such as:
- Watching a movie or a television show.
- Listening to podcasts or music.
- Adopting a new interest or developing a new skill.
- Exercising.
- Time spent with loved ones.
- Practicing relaxing techniques.
- Go on a day trip.
SCANXIETY Symptoms & Signs
It might be challenging to cope with scanxiety throughout cancer treatment. Scannexiety might interfere with daily living and lower your quality of life. So, being aware of and prepared for the signs of scanxiety is helpful.
Scan anxiety might affect your cognition, emotions, or physical depending on the severity. If you’re feeling three or more of these symptoms right now, it’s safe to assume you’re suffering from scanxiety.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Not feeling hungry.
- Having a faster heart rate than usual, higher blood pressure than usual, or both.
- Muscle tension.
- Mood swings (or changes in your mood).
- Having sad or worrying thoughts over and over.
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability.
- Showing less interest in the hobbies and activities you used to enjoy.
- Fear of your cancer spreading or recurrence.
- Restlessness or feeling on edge.
- Being easily fatigued.
SCANXIETY How to cope with scanxiety?
Coping with scanxiety can be challenging, but several strategies can help manage the anxiety and fear of waiting for medical test results. Here are some tips that may be helpful:
- Stay informed: Ask your healthcare provider about the testing procedure and what to expect. This can help alleviate anxiety by providing you with a better understanding of what is happening and what to expect.
- Seek support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your concerns and fears. A supportive network can help you feel more secure and less alone during this stressful time.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Link provided here and below the descriptions. Deep breathing, meditation, or other relaxation techniques like guided imagery can help manage stress and anxiety.
- Engage in positive activities: Activities that you enjoy, such as exercise, reading, “me-time”, or spending time with loved ones, can help take your mind off of the test and reduce stress.
- Avoid “Dr. Google”: Avoid searching the internet for information about your symptoms or the test results. This can often lead to unnecessary worry and anxiety.
- Consider mindfulness techniques: Mindfulness practices, such as mindfulness meditation, can help you stay present and focused and reduce your anxiety.
- Remember that you are not alone: Many people experience scanxiety, which is a normal reaction to waiting for test results. Remind yourself that you are not alone and that there are people who can support you during this time.
- Practice self-care: Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and practice other self-care techniques that help reduce stress.
- Consider therapy: If your anxiety becomes overwhelming or interferes with your daily life, you may want to consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor. They can help you develop coping strategies and provide support as you navigate this challenging time.
It is important to note that if your scanxiety becomes overwhelming or interferes with your daily life, you may want to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. They can help you develop coping strategies and provide support as you navigate this challenging time.
Breath~
When you are stressed, just close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
( Joseph L. Wong )
SCANXIETY Difference between stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety are related concepts, but they are not the same thing.
Stress is a natural response to a perceived threat or challenge. It can be triggered by both positive and negative events, and it can be beneficial in the short term by helping you respond quickly and effectively to a perceived threat. However, if stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can have negative effects on your physical and mental health.
Anxiety, on the other hand, is a feeling of worry, fear, or unease that is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling. Anxiety is a normal and common reaction to stressful situations, but it becomes a problem when it is excessive, persistent, and interferes with daily activities. Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that involve excessive and persistent anxiety, and they can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
In summary, stress is a response to a specific situation or event, while anxiety is a general feeling of worry or unease that may or may not be linked to a specific event. While stress can be beneficial in the short term, anxiety can be debilitating and require professional treatment in some cases.
SCANXIETY Conclusion
In conclusion, scanxiety is a common experience that many people with a history of cancer or other serious illnesses may face when waiting for the results of medical tests. The fear and anxiety that accompany this waiting period can be overwhelming and can affect a person’s mental and emotional well-being.
It is important to acknowledge and address scanxiety to prevent it from becoming chronic and interfering with daily life. Coping strategies such as mindfulness techniques, seeking support from loved ones or a mental health professional, and practicing self-care can help manage scanxiety and reduce its negative effects.
It is also important to remember that everyone copes with scanxiety differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. It is essential to find the coping strategies that work best for you and seek professional help if you need it.
Overall, scanxiety is a natural and understandable reaction to waiting for the results of medical tests. By practicing effective coping strategies and seeking support when needed, individuals can manage their scanxiety and promote their mental and emotional well-being.
*Remember that if your scanxiety becomes overwhelming or interferes with your daily life, you may want to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. They can help you develop coping strategies and provide support as you navigate this challenging time. Note that everyone copes with scanxiety differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to find the coping strategies that work best for you and to seek help if you need it.
References
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