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Questions and answers

Why am I afraid

After a diagnosis almost everyone feels fear. It is not weakness; it is the body and mind’s natural response to an unknown threat.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Light through the clouds
Figure 1.Light through the clouds

01Short answer

Fear comes from the unknown, pain, worry about family, the outcome of treatment and changes in life. The body responds with a racing heart, fast breathing, poor sleep and tension. Fear is hard to remove completely, but it can be managed: information, written questions, slow breathing, movement, and talking with loved ones and a professional all help. If fear makes daily life hard for a long time, ask for professional support.

02Simple explanation

Fear is a natural protective reaction.

Naming and sharing it makes it weaker.

03Scientific explanation

Anxiety and depression symptoms are common in people with cancer; regular distress screening is part of many international guidelines.

Psychological support, cognitive behavioural approaches, and breathing and relaxation techniques are proven ways to reduce anxiety.

04What happens in the body?

Where fear comes from

An uncertain future, procedures, pain, hair loss, work and money, the family’s future. Naming each one separately makes it easier to manage.

What helps

Open information from your doctor, questions written in advance, small daily routines, slow breathing exercises, movement where possible, favourite music and talking with loved ones.

Waves of slow breathing
Figure 2.Waves of slow breathing

When to ask for help

If poor sleep, no appetite, constant crying or loss of interest in everything last more than two weeks, talk with a psychologist or psychiatrist.

A safe place to talk
Figure 3.A safe place to talk

05How to handle fear

Four steps.

Notice the feeling — It is fine to say “I am afraid”.1Notice the feelingIt is fine to say “I am afraid”.
Name it — Write down what you fear.2Name itWrite down what you fear.
Breathe — Slowly and deeply.3BreatheSlowly and deeply.
Share it — With someone close or a professional.4Share itWith someone close or a professional.
More calmFear becomes manageable.
SupportYou are not alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Where fear comes fromAn uncertain future, procedures, pain, hair loss, work and money, the family’s future. Naming each one separately makes it easier to manage.
What helpsOpen information from your doctor, questions written in advance, small daily routines, slow breathing exercises, movement where possible, favourite music and talking with loved ones.
When to ask for helpIf poor sleep, no appetite, constant crying or loss of interest in everything last more than two weeks, talk with a psychologist or psychiatrist.

07Key terms

Anxiety
Tension in expectation of a future threat.
Distress
The emotional burden linked with illness.
Psycho-oncology
The field of psychological care for people with cancer.

08Key points

  • Fear is natural.
  • Naming it helps.
  • Breathing and movement ease tension.
  • If it lasts, seek professional support.

09Frequently asked questions

What can I do to stop being afraid?

The aim is not to remove fear but to learn to live with it.

Should I tell my family about my fear?

Sharing often brings relief to both sides.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. What can I do to stop being afraid?

  2. Should I tell my family about my fear?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Feelings and Cancer
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adjustment to Cancer: Anxiety and Distress (PDQ®)
  3. Cancer Research UK. Coping emotionally with cancer
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adjusting to Cancer
  5. NHS. Blood transfusion
  6. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Blood Transfusion and Donation
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Managing Costs and Medical Information
  8. NHS (UK). Acute myeloid leukaemia
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Common Cancer Myths and Misconceptions
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: graft-versus-host disease
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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