The Voice
Scanxiety and Mental Health:
Prioritizing Emotional Well-Being During Lung Cancer Imaging
What Is Scanxiety?
The anxiety, fear, and apprehension surrounding scans is a condition known as scanxiety. Scanxiety is common among cancer patients, as medical imaging devices like MRIs, ultrasounds, X-rays, and CT/CAT scans are a major part of treatment.
A study of 103 lung cancer patients revealed that 83% felt some level of scan-associated distress. They also reported that their scanxiety directly impacted their quality of life.
A little trivia: “Scanxiety” was coined by a cancer patient who wrote about his experience in TIME Magazine in 2011. The term has been growing in popularity since.
What Causes Scanxiety?
Whether the scans are for diagnosing, monitoring treatment, or checking for recurrence, the emotions associated with these scans can be challenging for cancer patients and survivors.
The anticipation before a scan, undergoing the scan itself, waiting for scan results, and even thoughts relating to scans (e.g., possible diagnosis or recurrence of cancer) can cause scanxiety. The fear and anxiety can become overwhelming, severely impacting a person’s quality of life.
In some cases, the machines themselves may be a cause of concern. X-ray, CT scanners, and nuclear imaging machines all use ionizing radiation. These high-energy particles and wavelengths get through deep into the skin tissue to reveal what’s inside the body. Although the technology is improving, there is still a risk of regular scans causing cancer at a later date.
Understanding Lung Cancer Imaging
Before diving into scanxiety, it’s essential to understand what scans are used for in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. The most common scans used for lung cancer are X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and PET scans. These scans allow doctors to get a detailed look at the lungs and surrounding areas to identify abnormalities and monitor the progression of the disease.
While imaging tests are essential for the early detection, diagnosing, and treating lung cancer, they can also cause stress and anxiety for the individuals undergoing them. Patients can often feel overwhelmed, especially if they have never undergone imaging tests. It is crucial to understand the risks and benefits of imaging tests and to prepare for them appropriately.
Impact of Scanxiety During Lung Cancer Imaging
Scanxiety can have a significant impact on the emotional well-being of lung cancer patients. While the symptoms can differ from person to person, a few are more common than others.
Physical Symptoms of Scanxiety
Some common physical scanxiety symptoms include:
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Nausea
- Sleep disturbances
Psychological Symptoms of Scanxiety
Common psychological symptoms of scanxiety that patients can experience include:
- Distress
- Fear
- Sadness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic
- Loss of control
These emotional symptoms can be as debilitating as the physical ones, requiring the same care and attention. Though for some, these symptoms can be temporary and typically go away after the test is completed.
8 Tips for Managing Emotional Well-Being During Lung Cancer Imaging
While scanxiety is a common experience, it is possible to manage its symptoms. Every person handles stress differently, but here are some practical coping strategies that may help improve your emotional well-being.
1. Pre-Imaging Preparation
Learn as much as possible about the imaging test, including what to expect and how to prepare. You can use credible online sites like Mayo Clinic or contact your healthcare provider. Knowing what to expect from your scan can help reduce anxiety and stress.
2. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
These techniques help calm the mind and reduce feelings of anxiety. Here are some examples of mindfulness and relaxation techniques:
- Deep breathing exercises are a simple and effective way to reduce anxiety and stress. It requires taking slow, deep breaths through the nose and mouth. It’s important to focus on the breath. Count to 4 as you inhale, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds.
- Meditation is a practice that includes focusing on a particular object or thought. It can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. There are different types of meditation, but a simple way to get started is by finding a peaceful and comfortable place to sit and focus on your breath.
- Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique that includes contracting and relaxing different muscles in the body. It can help decrease muscle tension and promote relaxation. To practice progressive muscle relaxation, start by tensing and releasing the muscles in your feet and work up to your head.
3. Distraction Techniques
Another effective way to manage scanxiety is through distraction techniques. Distractions help divert attention from anxious thoughts and focus on something else. Here are some examples of distraction techniques that can help:
- Listening to music or podcasts can be a great way to distract your mind from your anxious thoughts. Choose music or a podcast that you enjoy, and relax.
- Reading or watching movies can also be an effective way to distract your mind. Choose a book or movie that you find enjoyable or relaxing.
- Engaging in hobbies or creative activities can be a great way to distract your mind and promote relaxation. Some examples of hobbies or creative activities include journaling, painting, drawing, or cooking.
4. Self-Care Strategies
Take care of yourself during this challenging time by eating healthy food, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest.
A recent study on the connection between exercise and cancer-related mortality found a 40%–50% reduction in patients who exercised often. Exercise also promotes mental well-being. It decreases cortisol (a hormone that increases stress) and boosts endorphins (a hormone that blocks pain and increases feelings of pleasure).
Like exercise, diet is crucial for anxiety and related symptoms.
Chemicals like caffeine can make people uneasy and jittery if they consume too much. Junk and processed foods are difficult to digest and have ingredients that cause anxiety and unhealthy cravings.
Maintaining a healthy diet may also help the treatment be more effective. Swapping junk food with healthy food allows the body to worry about one less thing on the road to recovery.
5. Communicate With Friends and Family
Family and friends can make the best support system. Talking to familiar faces is often a lot easier than with people we are not close to. This is helpful because you wouldn’t need to introduce yourself to a new group of people.
You can feel more comfortable opening up because friends and family already know you. Thus, they can give better support.
6. Communicate With Healthcare Providers
Talk to your healthcare providers about your concerns, worries, and fears. They may be able to give additional information or support.
7. Join a Support Group
Joining a support group can provide a sense of community and support during this challenging time. Being surrounded by others with similar experiences can help transform the trauma of cancer and act as a reminder that you are not alone.
8. Post-Imaging Follow-up
Schedule a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss the test results. This can help provide closure and reduce anxiety.
Scanxiety and Mental Health
Managing emotional well-being during lung cancer imaging is essential for the patient and their loved ones. While scanxiety is a common experience, there are many coping strategies and tips that can help manage these emotions.
Remember that the results of scans can provide critical information about lung cancer, which can help guide treatment decisions. Waiting for test results can be challenging, but staying positive and focused on the next steps in your treatment plan is essential.
Seek support during this challenging time. Whether through friends and family, healthcare providers, or support groups, having a solid support network can provide comfort and reduce stress.
Do more than just survive. Thrive. With the proper management and support, you can navigate lung cancer imaging with greater ease and comfort.