Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that requires frequent imaging scans to monitor how it’s progressing. Although these scans are an important part of managing the disease, they can come with unintended emotional side effects.
In a recent study on mesothelioma and mental health, patients reported that scanxiety was one of the most stressful aspects of living with this cancer.
Scanxiety is the worry or fear that builds while waiting for the results of imaging scans, whether for diagnosis, staging, or follow-ups to check if treatments are working.
For patients who suffer from scanxiety, cancer can feel incredibly stressful. While scanxiety may be unavoidable, there are ways to better manage these emotions and maintain peace of mind.
Get our Free Mesothelioma Guide for essential resources to help you manage your diagnosis so you can focus on what truly matters: your health and well-being.
7 Tips to Manage Scanxiety With Mesothelioma
Recent studies show that emotional support, self-distraction, humor, social connections, physical activity, and other strategies help cancer patients manage their mental health and well-being.
“There is always fear surrounding scans and follow-ups. I try not to let it make me bitter. I think that’s all you can do.”
Here are 7 tips for coping with mesothelioma scanxiety, based on the latest research and what has worked for many patients and caregivers.
1. Stop Googling It
It’s natural to want to learn more about your mesothelioma diagnosis, but excessive research can sometimes do more harm than good.
“My heart sank. As soon as you Google it, the thing that comes up is ‘incurable, incurable,’” said Crystal, a mesothelioma caregiver who was interviewed for a mental health study.
If researching treatments and survival rates is increasing your anxiety, consider turning off the screen and stepping away. Try not to picture what your results could be until you know for sure what you’re dealing with.
“So many people go on Dr. Google, and there’s a lot of misinformation and information that doesn’t apply to that particular individual. This is not a guaranteed death sentence.”
2. Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To
Waiting for scan results can feel endless. One powerful way to reduce anxiety is to plan something meaningful to look forward to. It doesn’t need to be expensive or elaborate. Even small activities can help shift your focus from worry to hope.
“When one goes through a year of painful treatments and not knowing whether you’re going to get out of bed the next morning, one needs a goal,” said Dr. Bonnie Snyder, a pleural mesothelioma survivor from New Mexico.
After her diagnosis in September 2022, Bonnie focused on staying active and finding purpose. Once she recovered from chest surgery, she started walking again and set a goal to finish a marathon.
Get our Free Survivors Guide for more tips and inspiration on living well after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
3. Relax & Find Time to Laugh
It’s often said that laughter is the best medicine — and when it comes to scanxiety, this rings true. Research has shown that maintaining a positive attitude and sense of humor can improve morale and well-being in cancer patients .
“I think John’s positive attitude has kept him going. I can’t think of a day that John has been, ‘Oh, feel sorry for me,’” said Dee, wife of John Stahl, a stage 4 pleural mesothelioma survivor. “He’s just positive, and I think that’s helped his health.”
Though it may be hard to do, try to take a step back and see the humor in whatever’s going on around you. Taking time to laugh with your friends and family may help lift your spirits.
“Stay positive and keep a positive attitude. You’ll enjoy your life more if you stay positive about it. You can’t change it, so make the best of it.”
4. Find a Mesothelioma Support Group or Mentor
Mesothelioma support groups have shown various benefits for patients and their caregivers. Talking to people who’ve been in your shoes can make a world of difference. While friends and family can offer support, only another mesothelioma patient truly understands what you’re going through.
You can also be paired with a mesothelioma survivor who can mentor you throughout your journey, offering encouragement and hope.
“My mentor is still here today, and that’s what keeps me going. I want to help people go through this and remain positive. “You can do it. It’s not the end of the world.”
5. Get Active
Many cancer patients experience the benefits of nature-based activities like walking or cycling, also known as ecotherapy.
Ecotherapy can provide both physical and mental health benefits, including:
- Social connection
- Exercise
- Distraction
- A sense of control
Research shows that ecotherapy can reduce anxiety, depression, fatigue, and pain. Nature is often reported as one of the most healing elements.
“For imaging, there’s going to be that anxiety. It’s a nervous experience. That’s why we stress being active and doing all those things to maintain your health.”
6. Stay Busy in the Moment
When your mind starts racing, one of the best ways to ground yourself is by staying busy. Keeping active can significantly benefit your mental health, helping you live in the moment.
“My biggest coping strategy is staying busy and not giving myself time to think,” said Freya, a mesothelioma patient interviewed for a June 2024 mental health study.
By focusing on hobbies and activities you enjoy, you leave less room for worry. Even small activities like listening to music, drawing, or watching TV can help.
“You live through it, you survive it, and you push it back. I keep all the positive things that I live for up front. You have other things to think about: your children, your grandchildren, talking to friends.”
– Brenda, 6-year mesothelioma survivor
7. Practice Mindfulness
When anxiety strikes, it’s essential to break the cycle of negative thoughts.
Take a moment to breathe deeply:
- Inhale for as long as possible.
- Count the seconds as you exhale.
- Repeat this several times.
You can also refocus your mind with positive mantras: I’m doing everything I can. I am safe in this moment. I’ve got this.
Finding peace and enjoyment is key to coping with mesothelioma scanxiety. Get our Free Mesothelioma Guide to help you navigate your diagnosis and treatment.
Get Personalized Support for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Hope’s team of Patient Advocates understands that cancer affects every part of your life. Wherever you are on your mesothelioma journey, we’re here to help with personalized support and guidance at every step.
Our team can:
- Help you get a second opinion to confirm your diagnosis
- Recommend mesothelioma specialists in your area
- Connect you with emotional support resources
- See if you qualify for financial compensation
“What I would share with anyone with a serious chronic disease — never give up hope and remember that your life is yours, not the disease’s.”
Call us at (866) 608-8933 or fill out our contact form to get in touch. You don’t have to face scanxiety — or mesothelioma — alone.
