1. Coping with Fear of Recurrence or
Progression
Dana Nolan, MS LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor

2. A Very Normal Fear…
Mesothelioma sufferers commonly have periods of time
in their treatment where they stop therapy because their
disease is stable or physicians are unable to find evidence
of their cancer.
While being grateful for the break from treatment, it is
normal to have some anxiety about the cancer rearing its
ugly head again.
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3. Fear of Recurrence or Progression
It’s a normal and understandable feeling
given that mesothelioma is incurable.
Anxiety increases or is triggered when:
You are at high risk of recurrence
It’s time for a checkup or scan
Marking anniversary of diagnosis
News covers mesothelioma topics
A new ache, pain, lump or bump appears
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4. Symptoms
Excessive worry about cancer
returning
Mistrust of your body
Uncertainty of future and
reluctance to plan ahead
Generalized anxiety, fear, poor
sleep, muscle tension and poor
concentration
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5. Managing Fear of Recurrence
or Progression
Most mesothelioma sufferers do not want to spend the
rest of their lives feeling overwhelmed with the fear
their cancer will progress or return.
It is common to develop some strategies to lessen their
fear to improve quality of life.
SOURCE: Cancer.org. (2013, June 19). Living with Uncertainty. Retrieved from
http://www.cancer.org/treatment/survivorshipduringandaftertreatment/understandingrecurrence/livin
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gwithuncertainty/fear-of-cancer-recurrence-add-res

6. Normalize
Accepting that fear of recurrence or
progression is normal can take the
pressure off mesothelioma patients to
feel strong and positive.
Oncologists want their patients to worry
enough so they follow their treatment
plan, make healthy lifestyle changes
(like eating healthy or quitting smoking)
and monitor their symptoms closely.
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7. Know Your Treatment and Follow-up
Understanding the goals of your treatment plan and
expected effects can reduce anxiety.
Once you stop treatment, ask your oncologist how your
disease will be monitored (blood tests, scans, clinical
exams, etc.) and frequency of follow-up visits.
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8. Distractions
Waiting for test results or a doctor
appointment can be nerve-wracking.
Distracting yourself with pleasant or
humorous activities can make time
pass more quickly.
Watch funny movies or TV shows
Work on hobbies
Keep your hands busy
Visit friends
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9. Compartmentalize
Many mesothelioma patients keep a binder or
folder of their test results, scans and medications.
When you open that folder, you are “taking care of
your cancer.” When you close it, you are leaving
your anxiety in that folder.
When you leave your treatment center or doctor
appointment, imagine you are leaving your worry
about mesothelioma with the doctor.
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10. Relaxation
Setting aside time to practice some
relaxation is very helpful at reducing
the symptoms of anxiety such as high
blood pressure, poor sleep, shortness
of breath, etc.
Investigate some relaxation
techniques like guided imagery or
muscle relaxation to find some that
work for you.
(800) 615-2270

11. Counseling and Medication
When these coping strategies are not enough to
manage this fear of recurrence or progression, then it is
time to speak to a counselor, your oncologist or both.
(800) 615-2270
 Medication and counseling
are proven to reduce
anxiety and improve
quality of life.
 Many cancer treatment
centers offer their
patients and caregivers
free counseling. Ask if
they offer those services.

12. Counseling and Medication (cont.)
If your cancer center does not offer
counseling, ask for a referral to a
counselor with expertise in cancer.
Patients often are prescribed anxiety
medication to reduce stress and fear
related to mesothelioma, but first you
have to let your health care team know
you are struggling with anxiety and
explain how it is affecting your quality of
life.
(800) 615-2270

13. Conclusions
 It is difficult to enjoy a break from treatment and side
effects when you are overwhelmed with fear of
recurrence.
 Even though anxiety is normal, it doesn’t mean those
with mesothelioma should suffer fear.
 There are many proven coping strategies
mesothelioma patients can try to reduce their anxiety.
 Counseling and medication also has shown to be
helpful.
(800) 615-2270

14. Contact Information
1-800-615-2270
(800) 615-2270