Everyone experiences anxiety at various times in his or her lives; often before trying something new or on hearing frightening news. Anxiety is experienced differently in different people, but some common ways include:

• Tension
• Fear
• Nervousness
• Feeling that something bad will happen
• Panicky feelings
• Feeling like you are "losing control"

Physical symptoms go along with anxiety, and these may include:

• Sweating
• Upset stomach or "butterflies"
• Shaking or tremors
• Difficulty getting your breath
• Pounding heart
• Hot, flushed face

Sometimes anxiety helps us react to situations and is beneficial. But sometimes it lasts a long time and interferes with doing the things you want to do. You may not even recognize you are anxious, but others close to you may see signs.

When you are diagnosed with cancer, fear and anxiety are common reactions. But if anxiety becomes severe it may interfere with your coping ability and make symptoms like pain even worse.

That's why it is important to learn to recognize how anxiety affects you and what strategies best help you reduce it.

Strategies to Manage Anxiety

• Clarify just what is making you anxious, and see if something can be done about it. Often people are anxious about a medical procedure or a new symptom, or about the unknown, and finding out more information can relieve the anxiety.

• "Problem-solve" to find solutions to the concern. If you are anxious about beginning chemotherapy, it may be helpful to plan to have a close friend go with you to treatment, or bring a tape of favorite music for comfort.

• Talk with someone who has been through a similar experience. Support groups are successful because it is reassuring to hear that someone else has been through this, and they found ways to manage the stress.

• Make time to do the everyday activities that keep you from thinking about cancer. These may include reading, exercising, attending clubs, etc. Anything that is relaxing or gives you a sense of accomplishment can help reduce anxiety.

• Spend plenty of time with friends and family who care about you. Companionship is a wonderful way to find support and take the attention away from the worries.

• Learn and practice relaxation techniques, such as relaxed breathing or imagery where you imagine yourself in a situation that is very pleasant and relaxing to you.

When to Get Professional Help

Occasionally, anxiety can be serious enough that professional help is needed. Here are some examples of when to get professional help:

• You have a past history of severe anxiety that required treatment, and you are feeling anxious now.
• You are avoiding cancer treatment or doctor visits, or considering stopping treatment because you are so anxious.
• Your symptoms of anxiety are keeping you from doing things important to you. For example, you are avoiding friends because you feel too panicky away from home.

The good news is that most anxiety, although it may be uncomfortable, is tolerable. And there is treatment available to help manage anxiety so it does not become overwhelming or debilitating.

This article is intended as a resource for patients receiving their cancer care at Duke University Hospital or Duke Clinic. It is not intended to substitute for medical advice from your healthcare team. If your doctor’s instructions differ from the information in this article, please talk with your doctor before making any changes.

Source: Cancer Patient Education Program, approved Duke Patient / Family Education Committee. 9/03