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After treatment and remission

Psychological support at relapse

News of a relapse is often harder to take than the first diagnosis. This topic explains ways to get emotional support at this time.

Last updated: ~2 min read
Warm light inside a dark storm.
Figure 1.Shelter in a storm — Psychological support at relapse

01Short answer

At relapse, shock, anger, guilt, fear and exhaustion are completely normal reactions. Many people feel “I do not have the strength to start again”. It is important to tell your team: a psycho-oncologist, a social worker and the palliative support team (not only for the end of life, but also for symptoms and stress) can help. Family, friends and support groups of people who have lived through relapse reduce loneliness. You have the right to make decisions without rushing and with enough information.

02Simple explanation

These feelings are normal.

Tell your team: help exists.

A psychologist and social worker.

Support groups ease loneliness.

Make decisions without rushing.

03Scientific explanation

Distress screening: many cancer centres regularly ask about stress levels and refer to a psychologist when needed.

Palliative support: early palliative care alongside treatment helps protect quality of life.

Support groups: the NCI notes that groups help people share experience and feel less isolated.

04What happens in the body?

A second blow

Relapse news wakes old fears. This is not weakness; it is a human reaction.

Talk to your team

Ask about resources: a psychologist, social worker, chaplain or palliative team.

People close to you

Ask for specific help: meals, transport, childcare. People often do not know how to help.

Hand outlines around a flame.
Figure 2.A circle of loved ones.

Professional help

If sleep, appetite or daily life have been disrupted for weeks, it is time to see a specialist.

Two armchairs and a lamp.
Figure 3.Talking with a psychologist.

05Steps to support

Four steps.

Feelings — Make room for feelings.1FeelingsMake room for feelings.
Tell — Tell the team how you feel.2TellTell the team how you feel.
Lean — Lean on people close to you.3LeanLean on people close to you.
Specialist — See a psychologist.4SpecialistSee a psychologist.
ReliefFeelings ease.
SupportYou are not alone.
FootingYou find strength for decisions.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
A second blowRelapse news wakes old fears. This is not weakness; it is a human reaction.
Talk to your teamAsk about resources: a psychologist, social worker, chaplain or palliative team.
People close to youAsk for specific help: meals, transport, childcare. People often do not know how to help.
Professional helpIf sleep, appetite or daily life have been disrupted for weeks, it is time to see a specialist.

07Key terms

Distress
Emotional strain.
Psycho-oncologist
A psychologist who works with people with cancer.
Palliative support
Care that eases symptoms and stress.
Support group
A meeting of people with similar experience.
Social worker
A helper with practical and emotional issues.

08Key points

  • Do not hide your feelings.
  • Tell your team.
  • Ask for specific help.
  • Look into support groups.
  • If you have dangerous thoughts, get help at once.

09Frequently asked questions

Will a psychologist change my treatment?

No, they are part of the team and help you cope with treatment.

How do I tell my children?

Simply and honestly, suited to their age; the team’s social worker can help.

Does palliative care mean “no hope”?

No, palliative support is also given alongside treatment.

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. Will a psychologist change my treatment?

  2. How do I tell my children?

  3. Does palliative care mean “no hope”?

  4. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Feelings and Cancer
  2. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Managing Emotions
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Support Groups
  4. Cancer Research UK. Coping with cancer emotionally
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Recurrent Cancer: When Cancer Comes Back
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  7. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
  9. American Cancer Society. ASCO Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Care Plans
  10. ESMO. Patient Guide on Survivorship
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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