Living with Uncertainty: Managing the Fear of Cancer Coming Back

Living with Uncertainty: Managing the Fear of Cancer Coming Back

Written by Elle Sproll

If you’ve ever finished cancer treatment and felt a wave of fear about it coming back, you’re not alone. The fear of recurrence is one of the most common and challenging emotions survivors face. It can appear suddenly — before follow-up scans, during check-ups, or even in quiet moments when life finally feels “normal” again.

Many survivors call it scanxiety — the anxiety that comes with waiting for test results. It’s that uneasy mix of hope and fear, where every ache or pain feels like a potential sign of something worse. It can be exhausting to live in that mental space, especially when you’re trying so hard to move forward.

Understanding Your Fear (and Why It’s Normal)

First, know this: feeling scared doesn’t mean you’re weak or ungrateful. It means you care deeply about your life and health. Fear of recurrence is a normal part of survivorship.

Instead of trying to ignore it, it helps to understand and work with it.

• Acknowledge your feelings. Pretending you’re fine only pushes the fear deeper. Talk about it — with a friend, counselor, or support group.

• Learn about your actual risk. Ask your doctor clear questions. Sometimes knowing the facts can calm the imagination.

• Recognize triggers. Upcoming scans, anniversaries, or medical appointments can all heighten anxiety. Knowing your triggers gives you power to prepare for them.

Coping with “Scanxiety”

The days leading up to follow-up appointments can feel like walking on thin ice. Here are a few things that help many survivors manage the tension:

• Create calming rituals. Light a candle, journal, take a walk in nature, or meditate.

• Schedule something joyful after your scan. A lunch date, a movie night, or simply a cozy evening at home gives you something positive to look forward to.

• Avoid the doom scroll. Stay off medical forums or late-night Google searches — they can make your anxiety spiral.

The Power of Support

Sometimes the only people who truly understand the emotional rollercoaster are those who’ve been there too. Support groups for cancer survivors — online or local — can be incredibly healing. Sharing your story and hearing “me too” can remind you that you’re not alone and that what you’re feeling is valid.

If you’re craving a bit more structure and calm as you navigate survivorship, my Feel Better Blueprint includes a full module on managing post-treatment anxiety and building daily habits that bring peace back into your routine.

Final Thoughts

The fear of recurrence may never disappear completely — but it can lose its power over time. The more you practice awareness, self-care, and connection, the quieter it becomes. You’ve already survived the hardest part. Now it’s about learning to live freely again, even with the uncertainty.