Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Scanxiety Is Real! Ways To Cope While Waiting For A Diagnosis

Everybody gets anxious—sometimes over the smallest things, like choosing an outfit for a dinner date or dealing with a minor misunderstanding. But anxiety reaches an entirely different level when it revolves around health concerns, especially when waiting for a medical diagnosis.

When fatigue had crept in weeks ago for Daisy, a dull weight pressing against her limbs. At first, she tried to dismiss it as stress and the work she was putting in for her new business, but then came the night sweats, the persistent cough, the bruises appearing without reason. Although she feared something was wrong she hesitated to get it checked. Yet, the fear of made her call her GP and get a appointment scheduled. And as she waited for the results, her mind continued running from what if it was serious? to what if it changed everything? 

The thought tightened around her chest than the sickness itself. It can feel like minutes are hours, days stretch to eternity, and uncertainty is overwhelming. This is a state of heightened distress—commonly referred to as '<span>scanxiety</span>.' It is all too real for many people who are going in for medical testing, especially with potentially serious diagnoses such as cancer. Knowing what scanxiety is, how it affects the body and mind, and learning good coping mechanisms helps ease the emotional toll it takes.

Scanxiety is a term used to describe the high level of anxiety and fear a person feels when waiting for the results of a medical test or a diagnosis. It is common in cancer patients, who may undergo multiple scans over time. Nonetheless, any individual who faces uncertainty about his or her health will experience scanxiety.

Unlike general anxiety, which is provoked by everyday stressors and often subsides after a situation has been resolved, scanxiety lingers, builds, and frequently recurs with every medical test. The fear isn't just of the tests themselves but of what the results could mean for the future.

Scanxiety appears in both physical and emotional symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include:

<ul><li>Shortness of breath and palpitations</li><li>Perspiration and body aches</li><li>Dizziness</li><li>Nausea and loss of appetite</li><li>Somnia and temper</li><li>Intensified fear and panic</li></ul>

Others have scanxiety become so disabling that it reaches chronic stress impacting the daily way of life. Chronic stress from the National Cancer Institute may not cause cancer itself but can heighten the way cancer progresses on the diagnosed victim.

<h2>What is the Difference Between Scanxiety and Anxiety?</h2>

Where general anxiety arises due to a wide array of life situations, including work stress, financial worries, or interpersonal issues, scanxiety only comes by way of medical concerns and intensifies with the weight of possibly life-changing news.

The scan experience is a different kind of distress: it's the experience of lying on an MRI machine or awaiting a call from a doctor. This is often a higher stakes situation, and nothing else, at the moment, can claim the center stage of one's attention. In fact, one hears that many people who have had repeated scanning over the years report an increase in anxiety despite familiarity with the process.

<h2>How Diagnosis Builds Resilience and Coping Skills</h2>

While anxiety can be a natural response to uncertainty, resilience can be built to manage scanxiety very effectively. Studies suggest that resiliency-the ability to adapt and recover from stress-improves mental well-being and overall quality of life.

A 2017 study in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation showed that people with greater resilience had better <span>mental health</span> even when faced with physical challenges. Another study, published in Arthritis Care &amp; Research (2019), showed that patients with chronic conditions develop resilience through coping strategies like social support, adaptability, and mindfulness.

Resilience is not innate; it's like a muscle that can be developed over time. The first step to cope with scanxiety is the recognition of the emotion without judgment. Accepting the fact that fear is normal lets people move toward constructive coping mechanisms.

Our internal dialogue plays a significant role in how we view uncertainty. Do not assume the worst; instead, consciously battle negative thoughts. Remind yourself that uncertainty does not equal catastrophe.

<ul><li>"I am strong and capable of handling whatever comes my way."</li><li>"I will take this one step at a time." </li><li>"I am doing everything within my control to care for my health."</li></ul>

<h4>2. Engage in a 'Flow State' Activity</h4>

Distraction is a powerful tool against scanxiety. Finding an activity that fully engages your attention can help shift your focus away from waiting. Whether it’s painting, cooking, solving puzzles, or exercising, immersing yourself in a task can provide mental relief.

A simple test: Ask yourself, "What is an activity that makes me lose track of time?" Then do it for at least 15 minutes. The goal is to keep the mind occupied and reduce overthinking.

<h4>3. Avoid 'Doomscrolling' and Worst-Case Scenarios</h4>

The internet is a double-edged sword—while it provides information, it also amplifies fear. Avoid searching for symptoms or reading worst-case survival statistics. These can increase panic rather than provide clarity.

Limit your online health searches and refocus your attention on other credible sources when needed.

If intruding thoughts become all-consuming, then schedule a time (such as 10 minutes in the evening) to dwell on and work through them. Writing down worries in a journal and going back to them later can help anxiety not hijack your entire day.

There are ways to help ease scanxiety including deep breathing, guided meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation. Some useful ones include:

<ul><li>Box Breathing: Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, breathe out for 4 seconds, hold for 4</li><li>Visualizing: Imagine yourself in a peaceful scene, such as a beach or a forest</li><li>Mindfulness Meditation: Focus on the present moment, not future worries</li></ul>

<h4>6. Communication with your medical team</h4>

Ask your doctor how long it will take to receive results and request a preferred method of communication (phone call, email, or in-person discussion). If waiting is particularly stressful, express your concerns and see if an expedited process is possible.

Talking to friends, family, or support groups can be comforting. Sometimes, voicing fears out loud can take away some of the power. If needed, professional counseling can help navigate scanxiety in a structured way.

Scanxiety is a deeply personal and overwhelming experience, but it is manageable. Acknowledging the fear, practicing resilience-building techniques, and adopting practical coping strategies, people can navigate the waiting period with a greater sense of calm and control. 

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Everybody gets anxious—sometimes over the smallest things, like choosing an outfit for a dinner date or dealing with a minor misunderstanding. But anxiety reaches an entirely different level when it revolves around health concerns, especially when waiting for a medical diagnosis.When fatigue had crept in weeks ago for Daisy, a dull weight pressing against her limbs. At first, she tried to dismiss it as stress and the work she was putting in for her new business, but then came the night sweats, the persistent cough, the bruises appearing without reason. Although she feared something was wrong she hesitated to get it checked. Yet, the fear of made her call her GP and get a appointment scheduled. And as she waited for the results, her mind continued running from what if it was serious? to what if it changed everything? The thought tightened around her chest than the sickness itself. It can feel like minutes are hours, days stretch to eternity, and uncertainty is overwhelming. This is a state of heightened distress—commonly referred to as 'scanxiety.' It is all too real for many people who are going in for medical testing, especially with potentially serious diagnoses such as cancer. Knowing what scanxiety is, how it affects the body and mind, and learning good coping mechanisms helps ease the emotional toll it takes.What is Scanxiety?Scanxiety is a term used to describe the high level of anxiety and fear a person feels when waiting for the results of a medical test or a diagnosis. It is common in cancer patients, who may undergo multiple scans over time. Nonetheless, any individual who faces uncertainty about his or her health will experience scanxiety.Unlike general anxiety, which is provoked by everyday stressors and often subsides after a situation has been resolved, scanxiety lingers, builds, and frequently recurs with every medical test. The fear isn't just of the tests themselves but of what the results could mean for the future.Symptoms of ScanxietyScanxiety appears in both physical and emotional symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include:Shortness of breath and palpitationsPerspiration and body achesDizzinessNausea and loss of appetiteSomnia and temperIntensified fear and panicOthers have scanxiety become so disabling that it reaches chronic stress impacting the daily way of life. Chronic stress from the National Cancer Institute may not cause cancer itself but can heighten the way cancer progresses on the diagnosed victim.What is the Difference Between Scanxiety and Anxiety?Where general anxiety arises due to a wide array of life situations, including work stress, financial worries, or interpersonal issues, scanxiety only comes by way of medical concerns and intensifies with the weight of possibly life-changing news.The scan experience is a different kind of distress: it's the experience of lying on an MRI machine or awaiting a call from a doctor. This is often a higher stakes situation, and nothing else, at the moment, can claim the center stage of one's attention. In fact, one hears that many people who have had repeated scanning over the years report an increase in anxiety despite familiarity with the process.How Diagnosis Builds Resilience and Coping SkillsWhile anxiety can be a natural response to uncertainty, resilience can be built to manage scanxiety very effectively. Studies suggest that resiliency-the ability to adapt and recover from stress-improves mental well-being and overall quality of life.A 2017 study in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation showed that people with greater resilience had better mental health even when faced with physical challenges. Another study, published in Arthritis Care & Research (2019), showed that patients with chronic conditions develop resilience through coping strategies like social support, adaptability, and mindfulness.Resilience is not innate; it's like a muscle that can be developed over time. The first step to cope with scanxiety is the recognition of the emotion without judgment. Accepting the fact that fear is normal lets people move toward constructive coping mechanisms.Ways to Cope With Scanxiety1. Reframe Negative ThoughtsOur internal dialogue plays a significant role in how we view uncertainty. Do not assume the worst; instead, consciously battle negative thoughts. Remind yourself that uncertainty does not equal catastrophe.Use affirmations such as:"I am strong and capable of handling whatever comes my way.""I will take this one step at a time." "I am doing everything within my control to care for my health."2. Engage in a 'Flow State' ActivityDistraction is a powerful tool against scanxiety. Finding an activity that fully engages your attention can help shift your focus away from waiting. Whether it’s painting, cooking, solving puzzles, or exercising, immersing yourself in a task can provide mental relief.A simple test: Ask yourself, "What is an activity that makes me lose track of time?" Then do it for at least 15 minutes. The goal is to keep the mind occupied and reduce overthinking.3. Avoid 'Doomscrolling' and Worst-Case ScenariosThe internet is a double-edged sword—while it provides information, it also amplifies fear. Avoid searching for symptoms or reading worst-case survival statistics. These can increase panic rather than provide clarity.Limit your online health searches and refocus your attention on other credible sources when needed.4. 'Worry Time'If intruding thoughts become all-consuming, then schedule a time (such as 10 minutes in the evening) to dwell on and work through them. Writing down worries in a journal and going back to them later can help anxiety not hijack your entire day.5. Relaxation TechniquesThere are ways to help ease scanxiety including deep breathing, guided meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation. Some useful ones include:Box Breathing: Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, breathe out for 4 seconds, hold for 4Visualizing: Imagine yourself in a peaceful scene, such as a beach or a forestMindfulness Meditation: Focus on the present moment, not future worries6. Communication with your medical teamAsk your doctor how long it will take to receive results and request a preferred method of communication (phone call, email, or in-person discussion). If waiting is particularly stressful, express your concerns and see if an expedited process is possible.7. Lean on a Support SystemTalking to friends, family, or support groups can be comforting. Sometimes, voicing fears out loud can take away some of the power. If needed, professional counseling can help navigate scanxiety in a structured way.Scanxiety is a deeply personal and overwhelming experience, but it is manageable. Acknowledging the fear, practicing resilience-building techniques, and adopting practical coping strategies, people can navigate the waiting period with a greater sense of calm and control. 