Cancer (Psychosocial support)

Common psychological effects following a cancer diagnosis

When you hear "cancer diagnosis," you likely think of the physical toll it takes. But what about the mental health challenges faced by people and families dealing with cancer? Receiving a cancer diagnosis often triggers a myriad of psychological effects, which can be challenging to manage. Recent research from Maggie’s found that 3 in 5 people who have or have had cancer feel that the mental challenge of cancer is harder to cope with than the physical treatment and side effects.

Responses to cancer vary widely among individuals and you may not necessarily experience the emotions discussed here, but it’s important to know that you're not alone in facing mental health challenges as a result of cancer.

Understanding your emotions during cancer treatment

Cancer can bring about a range of mental health symptoms that may benefit from specialist support at different stages of the cancer journey.

Here are some of the most common mental health symptoms experienced during cancer treatment:

1. Anxiety: Feelings of worry, apprehension, or fear about the cancer diagnosis, treatment, or the future can manifest as anxiety. It may present as restlessness, irritability, or physical symptoms such as a racing heart or difficulty breathing.

2. Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities may indicate depression. Fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating are also common symptoms.

3. Fear of recurrence: Even after successful treatment, the fear of cancer returning can be overwhelming for many individuals. This fear can significantly impact your quality of life and may lead to heightened anxiety or depression.

4. Body image concerns: Cancer treatment often causes changes in physical appearance, such as hair loss, weight changes, or scarring. These changes can affect self-esteem and sexual intimacy, , leading to feelings of insecurity or distress.

5. Grief and loss: Coping with cancer may involve grieving the loss of one's health, independence, or future plans. This grief process can be complex and may involve feelings of sadness, anger, or numbness.

6. Social isolation: Cancer treatment may disrupt social connections and activities, leading to feelings of loneliness or isolation. This can exacerbate existing mental health concerns and impact overall well-being.

7. Cognitive changes: Some individuals may experience cognitive changes during cancer treatment, often referred to as "chemo brain" or "cancer-related cognitive impairment." Chemotherapy side effects impacting mental health may include difficulties with memory, concentration, or multitasking. Symptoms such as these underscore the importance of addressing mental wellbeing alongside physical health during the cancer journey.

8. Post-traumatic stress symptoms: Traumatic experiences related to cancer diagnosis and treatment can result in post-traumatic stress symptoms, such as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or hyper-vigilance.

9. Difficulty coping: Coping with the emotional and physical challenges of cancer treatment can feel overwhelming at times. Some individuals may struggle to cope at times, leading to increased stress and emotional distress.

It's essential to understand that there's no 'right' way to feel, and each person copes in their unique manner. Many others grapple with similar feelings and experiences and reaching out for support can make a significant difference in navigating this journey. It's also not uncommon for partners, family members, and friends to experience similar emotions alongside the individual diagnosed.

If you had an existing mental health condition before your cancer diagnosis

If you already have an existing mental health condition, a cancer diagnosis can bring about a range of psychological effects unique to your individual circumstances. It's common for people to respond differently – some may find that their mental health worsens with the added stress of a cancer diagnosis, while others may feel that it doesn't change much. Remember, your feelings can fluctuate at any point during or after treatment, and that's perfectly okay.

Following a cancer diagnosis, individuals living with a mental health condition may encounter various challenges, including:

• Triggering of previous trauma or mental health symptoms.

• Heightened levels of ongoing anxiety or panic.

• Exacerbation of longstanding depression and feelings of hopelessness.

• Sense of isolation from others.

• Potential relapse of an addiction.

You may discover that your mental health condition impacts your approach to treatment and recovery, but know that you're not alone in navigating these challenges.