Teen daughter with fear of cancer.

Hi everyone, my daughter (14) has been struggling with severe health anxiety recently which developed mostly around cancer. A few years ago her best friend was diagnosed with leukaemia which she overcame and is now living a normal happy life. However she has sadly lost 2 family members to cancer. Another  friend of her's got basal cell carcinoma but it removed and is now fine. This unfortunately has had a massive impact on her, she is scared of moles, blemishes, bruises...etc on her skin and always fears the worst. She panicked a few weeks ago due to strange stomach pains and bowel changes, it turned out to be ibs (which was a massive relief to her) but caused her to worry even more in the long run. She can't go a day without worrying about cancer and other serious illnesses. Does anyone have any tips on helping her overcome her trauma as it's taking over her life. Thank you :)

Parents
  • Hi Lauren, 

    I think talking to a therapist could be helpful. Someone who can help her understand that every mole, freckle or bruise does not mean cancer and every gurgle or blip doesn't mean you have it. Anxiety makes our bodies do all kinds of weird things. 

    Laura xx

Reply
  • Hi Lauren, 

    I think talking to a therapist could be helpful. Someone who can help her understand that every mole, freckle or bruise does not mean cancer and every gurgle or blip doesn't mean you have it. Anxiety makes our bodies do all kinds of weird things. 

    Laura xx

Children