What is scan anxiety after cancer?

Scan anxiety, which many survivors call "scanxiety," is the anxious feeling that comes around the time of scans or other follow-up tests after cancer treatment.

Getting these tests can make people feel very anxious. The feeling usually grows out of the most common fear after treatment: that the cancer will come back, known as a recurrence. This fear is normal, and it often lessens over time, even though follow-up visits, screenings, or the anniversary of a diagnosis can still trigger it.

Several things can help. Let your care team know your concerns, since they can give you the facts about your cancer and reassure you that they are watching over your health. Keep busy while waiting for results by spending time with friends or family or doing self-care. And remember that a new ache or symptom does not necessarily mean the cancer has returned, though you should report anything new or lasting to your team.