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After treatment and remission

Fear on test day

Follow-up checks and test days cause strong anxiety for many survivors. This topic explains where this feeling comes from and how to ease it.

Last updated: ~3 min read
A calm waiting area with a clock without numbers.
Figure 1.Waiting on test day can be hard.

01Short answer

Regular follow-up tests after treatment are important, but they often cause fear. In English there is even a special word for it — “scanxiety”. For several days beforehand there may be poor sleep, tension, trouble concentrating, palpitations, loss of appetite and dark thoughts. The hardest part is often waiting for the result. This is a completely natural feeling: test day brings back memories of illness and creates uncertainty. For many people, the anxiety lessens over time as normal results build up. What helps: asking in advance when and how results will come; if possible, arranging the test and the result on the same or nearby days; bringing someone with you; slow breathing and relaxation methods; keeping busy while you wait (a walk, something you enjoy); and sharing the worry with someone close. If the anxiety is very strong, makes you skip follow-up or lasts for weeks, a psychologist can help (topic “When psychological help is needed”).

02Simple explanation

Test-day anxiety is very natural.

The hardest part is waiting for the result.

It often lessens over time.

Help: planning, company, breathing, keeping busy.

If it is strong: psychological support.

03Scientific explanation

Very common: according to ASCO, follow-up checks are one of the main times when fear of recurrence rises; most survivors experience it.

Uncertainty: the NCI notes that waiting for a result is often harder than the test itself; knowing when results will arrive helps.

Relaxation methods: the NCI and CRUK show that slow breathing, muscle relaxation, mindfulness and physical activity reduce anxiety.

The value of follow-up: according to the NCI, regular follow-up helps find changes and late effects early; anxiety should not lead you to skip it.

04What happens in the body?

Why am I so anxious?

Test day reminds you of the time of illness, and the result is unknown. The body responds with a stress reaction.

What does it feel like?

Poor sleep, tension, irritability, trouble concentrating, palpitations, an upset stomach and thoughts about bad scenarios.

Before the test

Ask when results will come, plan the day, wear comfortable clothes, bring someone and write down your questions.

While you wait

Breathe slowly (for example, in for 4 seconds and out for 6), go for a walk, do something you enjoy and avoid searching symptoms online.

A slowly rising and falling wave.
Figure 2.Slow breathing calms.

When the result comes

Discuss the result with your doctor and ask about anything unclear. A normal result is a reason to celebrate; if something has changed, your doctor will explain the next steps.

An envelope of light opening.
Figure 3.Discuss results with your doctor.

When to call your doctor

Worrying signs — fever, bleeding, new pain, breathlessness — should be reported to your doctor between visits too. Getting in touch early is always better than waiting.

05Preparing for test day

Steps.

Plan — Plan the day ahead.1PlanPlan the day ahead.
Company — Bring someone with you.2CompanyBring someone with you.
Breathe — Breathe slowly.3BreatheBreathe slowly.
Ask — When will results come?4AskWhen will results come?
PlanThe day is planned.
CalmBreathing calms you.
SupportYou are not alone.

06Ways to cope on test day (simplified)

WhenWhat you can doWhy it helps
A few days beforeAsk when results will comeLess uncertainty
Test dayCompany, comfortable clothesA sense of support
WaitingBreathing, a walk, keeping busyLess tension
ResultDiscuss with your doctorClarity

* If the anxiety is strong, tell your doctor.

07Key terms

Scanxiety
Anxiety before scans and tests.
Follow-up check
A planned check after treatment.
Uncertainty
The feeling of not knowing the result.
Mindfulness
Focusing attention on the present moment.
Stress reaction
The body’s response to tension.
Patient portal
A way to see results online.

08Key points

  • Test-day fear is normal.
  • Ask when results will come.
  • Bring someone with you.
  • Breathe slowly.
  • Keep busy while waiting.
  • Do not skip follow-up.

09Frequently asked questions

What if I see the result on the portal before my doctor does?

It can be worrying; if you would rather see results with your doctor, say so.

Will I be this scared every time?

For many people the fear lessens over time.

Can I postpone the test?

Not because of anxiety; talk to your doctor.

My child is scared too — how can I help?

Explain calmly, stay with them and accept their feelings.

Does this information replace medical advice?

No. This is general education; only your treating doctor can assess your situation.

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 if I see the result on the portal before my doctor does?

  2. Will I be this scared every time?

  3. Can I postpone the test?

  4. My child is scared too — how can I help?

  5. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Coping With Fear of Recurrence
  2. National Cancer Institute. Feelings and Cancer
  3. National Cancer Institute. Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment — Your New Normal
  4. Cancer Research UK. Coping with cancer emotionally
  5. National Cancer Institute. Follow-Up Medical Care
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
  8. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
  9. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Long-Term and Late Effects of Treatment
  10. National Cancer Institute. Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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