Hi Daisy. I just saw your post on here and had to reply and offer some reassurance. I’m 32 and have spent the majority of my life struggling with health anxiety, although I didn’t understand what it was until about 5 years ago. 
My health anxiety has always focussed specifically on cancer worries and over the years I have been genuinely worried I’ve had all types of cancer, so I understand completely how you’re feeling. You’re only 16, so the fact that you recognise that most of your problems are probably anxiety is something to be really proud of. It took me much longer to know that. Awareness is the first step to overcoming anxiety and from there you can take back control. You can self refer to talking therapies or go via your GP. I did a guided self help course for health anxiety three years ago that absolutely changed my life, and I’m currently undergoing a similar therapy course because my health anxiety has reared its head again. I can’t recommend the service enough. It’s all through the NHS so completely free and you can self refer as I say. Just google NHS talking therapies in your area.

I promise you it will free you from all these worries.

Take care and make your mental health as much of a priority as your physical health, you won’t regret it. Jen x

Thank you so much, I really appreciate the advice and reassurance! :)

Hi,

I just wanted to message to say that I’m feeling much better!

I’m still feeling stressed about the fear of cancer. But, the idea I suggested before about maybe cutting my hair short at university or using hair loss from chemo as an opportunity to try hair new styles I was too scared to try has really helped!

Although there is still fear the shock of hair loss and the treatment, I’m starting to see a bright side that calms my anxiety and helps me ignore the bad side! 

I’m started to get overwhelmed by this feeling of excitement and adrenaline at the idea of one day cutting my hair into a pixie to experiment! It’s starting to feel exciting rather than entirely scary? And I’m even looking at hair styles that I may consider at university!

The thing that has been scaring me and making me feel unhappy about the future was the lack of control over the cancer and hair loss. But, the idea of getting a pixie cut because I want to develop my confidence and face my fears is making me feel so empowered. It feels like, even though cancer is still a fear of mine, I’d be able to manage it better because I would already feel confident with short hair. :D

This way, I have some control over the situation, and I’m able to calm my fears over what I cannot control.

Hi,

I just wanted to message to say that I’m feeling much better!

I’m still feeling stressed about the fear of cancer. But, the idea I suggested before about maybe cutting my hair short at university or using hair loss from chemo as an opportunity to try hair new styles I was too scared to try has really helped!

Although there is still fear the shock of hair loss and the treatment, I’m starting to see a bright side that calms my anxiety and helps me ignore the bad side! 

I’m started to get overwhelmed by this feeling of excitement and adrenaline at the idea of one day cutting my hair into a pixie to experiment! It’s starting to feel exciting rather than entirely scary? And I’m even looking at hair styles that I may consider at university!

The thing that has been scaring me and making me feel unhappy about the future was the lack of control over the cancer and hair loss. But, the idea of getting a pixie cut because I want to develop my confidence and face my fears is making me feel so empowered. It feels like, even though cancer is still a fear of mine, I’d be able to manage it better because I would already feel confident with short hair. :D

This way, I have some control over the situation, and I’m able to calm my fears over what I cannot control.