Unhealthy obsession with getting cancer

[Bayleaftree63]

Anyone have this? I’m always googling symptoms and worrying about eating x, cutting out alcohol, trying to limit red meat, eat veg etc. Then when you hear of people similar age(s), for e.g the late Sarah Harding. Then Princess Kate who (I’m guessing) had access to the best food, diet, appeared athletic and fit, access to the best medical care and she still wasn’t immune. I’m sorry if I offend anyone but I’m fed up of assuming I’ll be next. Please don’t say live every day etc, that doesn’t help my (irrational) anxiety.

[Healthanxietyruiningmylife]

yes I am exactly the same, somewhat managed with medication but it’s still a constant struggle. I waste so much time googling symptoms but it’s a vicious cycle and nearly always makes me feel worse.

[Whatevershallidowithmylife]

I’ve currently got cancer. I wake up every morning and I remember I’ve got it. I wake up during the night and remember I’ve got it. I do my shopping and remember I’ve got it. Please stop what you’re doing and realise how lucky you are not to have it.

[Hillsmakeyoustrong]

I had this. I can still worry about it but in a much more moderate way. It essentially started when my best friend's mum died of cancer when we were teenagers. It was terrible to watch my friend lose her mum. Ultimately, it became a mental health issue which needed a medical solution and so i started on sertraline years ago. Best thing I ever did. I did do therapy as well but the meds really helped.

[SemperIdem]

There’s hereditary pancreatic cancer on my paternal side so my unhealthy fixation has gone dramatically away from “what can I do to prevent it” and instead is “it’ll get me anyways anyway, fuck it”.

[WrenNatsworthy]

I've got cancer.
I'm glad I didn't spend life before my diagnosis worrying about getting it.

You have health anxiety, you should seek help for it. Don't waste your precious time worrying.

[SemperIdem]

@WrenNatsworthy

I've got cancer.
I'm glad I didn't spend life before my diagnosis worrying about getting it.

You have health anxiety, you should seek help for it. Don't waste your precious time worrying.

I hope your cancer is fully treatable and if not, able to be managed over time. I know 2 people with very different cancers who have had a stage 4 diagnosis and over 5 years later are still otherwise healthy and living full lives.

[WrenNatsworthy]

@SemperIdem

I hope your cancer is fully treatable and if not, able to be managed over time. I know 2 people with very different cancers who have had a stage 4 diagnosis and over 5 years later are still otherwise healthy and living full lives.

I have beat my prognosis by 2 1/2 years and am on long term palliative care. I've been stage 4 for 4 years and am very well - supported, thank you.

[SemperIdem]

@WrenNatsworthy

I have beat my prognosis by 2 1/2 years and am on long term palliative care. I've been stage 4 for 4 years and am very well - supported, thank you.

Long may that continue ❤️

[WrenNatsworthy]

Thank you. I came to the thread to be supportive, not to get sympathy xx

Health anxiety is horrendous.

[Bayleaftree63]

@WrenNatsworthy

Thank you. I came to the thread to be supportive, not to get sympathy xx

Health anxiety is horrendous.

❤️

[ComfyBoobs]

What are you doing about your health anxiety OP?

My husband has it, and we’ve just lost yet another weekend to his obsession about a slightly swollen lymph node in his armpit. It’s a nightmare for him but also a nightmare to live with.

His anti-anxiety meds really do help (and may help you?) but he won’t take them on an ongoing basis, only when he starts to spiral by which stage we’ve endured several days of the obsessing.

Do you take them?

[Enigma52]

Agree with @Whatevershallidowithmylife

I've got cancer and I'm constantly reminded of the fact, which isn't nice.

If you are otherwise healthy, see a GP re: your health anxiety.

[Enigma52]

Oh and stay off Dr Google.