Health anxiety post cancer

Whilst I understand it is normal to have some worries post cancer I find myself suffering from terrible health anxiety related to any and every symptom. Any illness that I get from a sore throat to a headache, any twinge or sore spot on my body will send me in to a tailspin of anxiety, I will focus on the symptoms making it worse. Sometimes I think I must like to worry as maybe I cant accept that I am well just incase something should happen. I am not one to run to the GP as I have a horror of anything medical which was made worse having had breast cancer and I do try and avoid Dr Google but I sometimes succumb. I have had therapy but did not seem to help. Would be interested to know others experiences with health anxiety and how you coped

  • Hi Gilaray,

    I'm sure this is something that others here will be able to relate to. I know it can be very difficult.

    It sounds like you have spoken to someone about this previously, although sorry to hear it didn't seem to help.

    It might be worth writing down your worries, or symptoms, as they happen. That way it can act as a bit of an offload, while also allowing you to track things as well as look back over things, if you wanted to. If at any point you wanted to see a doctor, you would then also have points to refer back to.

    If ever you feel you'd like answers about any continuing or unexplained symptoms, do give your doctor a call as they are best placed to advise.

    The NHS has a useful section on their site called Every Mind Matters, which may also be helpful.

    In the meantime, I hope that this forum can be helpful for you.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator