Hearing a diagnosis of any type of cancer is a shock for anyone, even if they had some idea that the symptoms they were experiencing were likely to be caused by cancer. Skin cancer is not different and, although not as serious as some cancers, it is still a cause for fears, anxiety and mental stress about your overall health. Those with the diagnosis of melanoma may feel a heighted sense of depression, anxiety and fear.
According to the American Cancer Society fears about cancer can start prior to the diagnosis, once the diagnosis is confirmed or even after the treatments have been completed. With skin cancer a fear of reoccurrence, negative body image, pain, complications and the ability to enjoy life to the same degree may all result in increasing risk of fear, depression and anxiety.1
Anxiety And Fear In Society
Although a very normal response, anxiety and fear around a first diagnosis of skin cancer or a reoccurrence of the disease can be life altering. Fear and anxiety cause chemical changes in the brain that can lead to further mental health issues that may dramatically impact the individuals ability to carry out a normal life. For some people the anxiety may reach the level of a specific phobia where the person becomes highly anxious about cancer itself. These types of phobias often develop over time and have some basis in natural fear or anxiety but are exhibited to extreme degrees.
Women are twice as likely to develop specific phobias around issues as men according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It is estimated that just over 19 million Americans have some form of specific phobia, some which can be managed by controlling the environment.2 Since health issues cannot be avoided, treatment through a mental health professional is often recommended and is usually very successful.
Symptoms of Fear, Anxiety and Depression
People may be experiencing fear or anxiety about a diagnosis of skin cancer but may not be able to notice a change in their mental health. Others around them may notice dramatic changes that can include:
- Nervousness, hyperactivity and extreme attention to health details
- Talking about subjects excessively or completely avoiding specific subjects that generate feelings of fear and anxiety
- Changes in eating
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Lack of enjoyment of life
- Pessimistic outlook even in positive situations
- Social withdrawal
- Confusion and disorganization
- Lack of energy, chronic fatigue and increased illness
- Anger outbursts at family and friends
- Problems focusing and completing tasks
- Irritability and withdrawal from social interactions
- Muscle tightness, pains and tension
The symptoms of fear and anxiety often occur with depression and are often associated with fear of the future and future health concerns. When patients are overwhelmed with fear they are much less likely to follow up on treatments, make and keep scheduled appointments and routinely use drug therapies that are designed to help treat the skin cancer. Some patients may also avoid the lifestyle changes that can help minimize the risk of the cancer reoccurring.3
Handling Fear In A Healthy Way
Once individuals diagnosed with skin cancer and their family members understand that fear and anxiety is typical with the diagnosis everyone can work together to minimize the fear. This means open dialogue between the patient, family and the medical professionals. Since a fearful person has difficulty in taking in information, having a family member or friend along on appointments with the dermatologist is important. This individual can act as the recorder of information to provide the patient with factual, accurate information as the fear subsides.
Learning about the skin cancer or melanoma is another way to help combat fear. Education and knowledge will help to avoid misconceptions or distortions of the prognosis of the diagnosis. The vast majority of people will have skin cancers that can be very effectively treated and have a low likelihood of reoccurrence with small changes in lifestyle and completing the required treatment.
It has been reported in the United Kingdom that cancer is now the number one fear of adults, but that there is also a great deal of misconception about being proactive in prevention. Having cancer patients or those that have risks for skin cancer learn about cancer prevention and cancer awareness can avoid this type of self-fulfilling prophecy. Public awareness campaigns, education in schools and talking to medical professionals about healthy living are all essential components of this type of fear reduction education program.4
Cancer survivor support groups are also a wonderful opportunity for those diagnosed with cancer to find people that can share positive, helpful and even inspiration information about living with and overcoming cancer. These groups may be lead by cancer survivors with training in group leadership or they can be organized and managed by the Cancer Society or other related support group. Often having professional lead the group that are family with the medical aspects of the disease along with the psychological impact provides the most comprehensive level of support for all group members.5
Using the internet to learn about skin cancer can be a good starting point once a diagnosis has been made. Not all websites are accurate or informative so look for high quality information that is researched and factual. However, do not make assumptions or self-diagnosis based on information obtained over the web. Instead talk directly with your dermatologist, oncologist or family doctor or schedule an appointment if you have any fears or concerns about your treatment or diagnosis.
References
1 Anxiety, Fear, and Depression. (2009, August 17). Retrieved from American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/EmotionalSideEffects/Anxiety
FearandDepression/anxiety-fear-and-depression-cancer-and-your-emotional-health
2 Specific Phobias. (n.d.). Retrieved from National Institute of Mental Health: www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders/specific-phobias.shtml
3 Anxiety and Cancer Patients. (n.d.). Retrieved from WebMD: www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/anxiety-in-cancer-patients
4 Cancer is Nation’s Biggest Fear. (2010, December 8). Retrieved from BBC News Health: www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11937305
5 Support from loved onces and the cancer team can help. (2009, August 17). Retrieved from American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/EmotionalSideEffects/
AnxietyFearandDepression/anxiety-fear-and-depression-support
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The content provided on this site is for informational purposes only. Our content is not medical advice you should seek a licensed physician or health professional regarding all health issues. SKIN-CANCER.ORG takes no responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, or application of medication which results from reading this site.
