Mesothelioma is an aggressive and rare cancer that can be hard to diagnose and harder to treat.

In a June 2024 study on mesothelioma and mental health, patients reported scanxiety was the most stressful aspect of living with mesothelioma.

What Is Scanxiety?

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 a lot more stressful than it has to be. While scanxiety may be unavoidable, there are ways to better manage these emotions and find peace.

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.

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7 Tips to Manage Scanxiety for Cancer

Recent studies show that emotional support, self-distraction, humor, social connections, physical activity, and other strategies help cancer patients manage their mental health and overall well-being.

Here are 7 tips for coping with mesothelioma scanxiety based on the latest research and what’s 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 took part in the mental health study.

If researching treatments and survival rates is increasing your anxiety, consider turning off the screen and stepping away.

“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.”

Dr. Raja Flores, mesothelioma specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital

2. Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To

In the face of uncertainty, planning something every few weeks — no matter how big or small — can give you something positive to focus on.

I had little things to look forward to. And honestly, I spend my life in garden centers,” said mesothelioma patient Rose. “I have lunches and coffees and cakes and, you know, I fill my days with really lovely things.”

Whether it’s a phone call with loved ones, a visit to your favorite store, or a drive to a nearby town, having plans in place can shift your focus away from anxiety and toward something hopeful.

“I always make sure we’ve got a holiday planned or a trip away. It doesn’t even need to be a big trip,” said Sian, a mesothelioma patient.

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. Maintaining a positive attitude and sense of humor proved beneficial in a study of veterans with mesothelioma.

“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.

Art Putt, 6+ year mesothelioma survivor

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.”

Mary Jane Williams, 15-year mesothelioma survivor

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.”

Dr. James Pingpank, mesothelioma specialist at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

6. Stay Busy & Live 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.”

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 will survive. This will pass. I’ve got this.

Finding peace and enjoyment is key to coping with mesothelioma scanxiety. For further support, our Free Mesothelioma Guide offers in-depth resources to help you navigate your diagnosis and treatment.

Get Personal Support for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Hope’s team of Patient Advocates understands that cancer affects every part of your life — from your body to your mind, family, and finances.

Wherever you are on your mesothelioma journey, we’re here to help with personalized support and guidance at every step.

Our team can:

“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.”

Julie Gundlach, 18+ year mesothelioma survivor

Call us at (866) 608-8933 or fill out our contact form to get in touch. We’re here to answer your questions, relieve your stress, and point you in the right direction.

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Laura WrightWritten by:

Lead Editor

Laura Wright is a journalist and content strategist with more than 16 years of professional experience. She attended college at the University of Florida, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2008. Her writing has been featured in The Gainesville Sun and other regional publications throughout Florida.

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References
  1. Ejegi-Memeh, S., et al. (2024). Mental health and wellbeing in mesothelioma: A qualitative study exploring what helps the wellbeing of those living with this illness and their informal carers. European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society, 70, 102572.  Retrieved October 2, 2024, from Retrieved October 2, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102572
  2. Ejegi-Memeh, et al. (2021). Living with mesothelioma: A qualitative study of the experiences of male military veterans in the UK. European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society, 50, 101889. Retrieved October 2, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2020.101889
  3. Northwestern Medicine. (n.d.). Coping with scanxiety: Managing the fear of medical scans. Northwestern Medicine. Retrieved September 10, 2024, from https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/emotional-health/coping-with-scanxiety
  4. Shafqat, A., & Jacobs, L. (2024). Impact of mesothelioma on health-related quality of life. Heliyon, 10(2), e08765. Retrieved September 10, 2024, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S146238892400070X
  5. Sherborne, V., et al. (2024). The mental health and well-being implications of a mesothelioma diagnosis: A mixed methods study. European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society, 70, 102545. Retrieved October 2, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102545

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