To want to stop worrying about cancer

[HealthAnxietySucks]

I want to start by saying I apologise for my post because I know that sadly lots reading this will have actually had cancer or have / had loved ones affected. Even typing the word makes me feel panicky

It just terrifies me so much. If I have a pain or a niggle I immediately think the C word. A few months ago I had a bruise on my toenail which I was beside myself with worry that it was a skin cancer. The dr looked at me like I was mad and wasting his time which I was tbh as it soon went away. I’ve had loads of little scares like this, I hate it 😔

I think it started a few years ago when I had a lump investigated. I went to absolute pieces waiting for the results. Thankfully it turned out to be nothing serious but i think it made me realise that health is fragile and I too was vulnerable

I am reasonably slim, fit and healthy, don’t smoke, have a physical job and eat well try and eat lots of fruit and veg. In fact I do actually obsess a bit about getting at least 5 a day if not more as I feel it will improve my chances of not getting it. but then I sort of think what’s the point? As you hear about people getting it who were exactly like me anyway. Or younger / fitter / healthier etc 😩.

And then last night I saw an ad on tv, from su2cancer where a young dad died, it was heartbreaking. Then it went on to say 1 in 2 of us will develop the disease. One in 2 ffs. Half of us will get it. It terrifies me

Ironically I am not actually scared of dying itself. but I want to live a full and long a life as possible (as all of us do!) and what scares me the most is the thought of getting it, then hearing its terminal and just knowing you’ll die sooner rather than later and having to live with that knowledge. I’d fall to bits

I am so sorry if this thread triggers / upsets anyone. I just want it to stop taking over my life.

Thanks waterlego will have a look ! X

Babby I think that theory is a bit tin foil hat tbh

Imagine how many people would have to collude in that

I'm a CBT therapist and see people with illness anxiety all the time. It's tricky, it needs treatment and the quicker you catch it the better. Please consider referring yourself to your local IAPT service.

Thanks Alice

What is iapt plse ? X

I have awful health anxiety, mostly about cancer. I was scared to go for my smear test in case they found something. My parents both died from cancer and my psychiatrist says this is the reason I fear it so much. I had already figured that out for myself! I have to turn the tv over if an advert relating to cancer is on. Lately it has gotten worse so next psychiatrist appointment she is going to focus on this with me. It consumes my thoughts and it's a struggle. I hope you manage to get help with yours op.

www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Psychological%20therapies%20(IAPT)/LocationSearch/10008

Fantasm I am so sorry about your parents. How cruel and unfair 😔

And that’s how I am, I dread smears. Not the actual test (I’ve had 3 dc so been through worse so they don’t phase me) I hate waiting for he results in case anything is wrong. But I always go for them because of my fears and I know cervical cancer is quite preventable / treatable at early stages.

Alice thank you for the link I will go and look now.

@HealthAnxietySucks thank you. The highly qualified consultant dermatologist said it was nothing to worry about but of course I'm having trouble believing him because I know better from my many hours of studying google 🤔🤔 and therein lies the problem I think!

@costacoffeecup

Yes stay away from google!! Therein lies madness

You are not alone. I feel like this too
I’ve had a few scares over the years and my fear is not getting treatment quickly enough - me or my DC. Leaving something too long and then finding out too late. I sometimes feel like it is only a matter of time (this 1 in 2 thing) so you spend your life kind of watching and waiting?
I’ve had severe CIN on my cervix (removed) and investigated in breast clinic for issues (luckily clear) and had a lot of gynae problems (growths) and each time I have felt scared and alone.

Awww @pookiedo sorry you have had so many scares. It’s the waiting and worrying which is the most terrifying isn’t it 😢

That’s exactly how I feel, like it’s just a matter of time (the one in 2 thing) I know lots of posters have said many will be diagnosed in old age but I hear of so many young people 20s/30s/40s getting it. As I said I do my best to eat healthy to exercise and stay slim to help reduce my chances but I’m sure most people who have posted in this thread that have cancer or have had it do too. And then still get it 😔

On a more positive note, Have you thought about self referral for Cbt? I’m going to do that. Another poster posted a link up thread x

So as a twice round the block survivor, (36 & 40, non smoker, non drinker, outdoorsy, perfect BMI woman) all I can advise is this -
You might get cancer, you might have an accident at work, driving, you might have some other life limiting or other serious illness - the possibilities are literally endless.

Tomorrow is NEVER promised. BUT
You might NEVER suffer with anything either.

I have lived the worry for 6 years now and had to learn through counselling, support and a serious kick up my own behind that I could waste hours fretting over what might be instead of enjoying what is.

Stay away from Dr Google and the like. If in doubt get professional advice and please get help to address this. For me the anxiety was more destructive and debilitating than being ill.

((((Hugs)))

I’ve had CBT and it did help, although I become anxious it is not life wreckingly so. I am sceptical whether health anxiety is something you will ever get over completely you just learn how to manage it and rationalise everything. So still worry but worry more rationally

Health anxiety is the absolute pits @HealthAnxietySucks . I've nearly always got a certain type of cancer anxiety at any one time and it's draining, probably in the last couple of years I've convinced myself I've got a brain tumour, stomach cancer, breast lumps etc

The "funny" thing is, I've actually had a cancer diagnosis this year - I was diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma last Christmas. I was so relaxed about it?! For me it's the unknown that I don't like

@PookieDo

I think you’re right there. It’s finding a balance between being health aware and being really anxious

@dontknowwhattodo80

Awwwww I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis and I hope you’re on the mend now

And I am glad you coped with it alright, I think you’re right it’s the unknown that’s more scary x

We are all in a state of hyper awareness and I don’t think these campaigns help that. They don’t make me want to donate they scare me. I always feel much more comfortable around the more positive campaigns and more likely to take part/donate

Same @PookieDo I turn them off if they’re on the radio or ignore if they’re on tv

I actually don’t think there’s any need for them to bombard us with it constantly it just scares people