Coping with metastatic melanoma scan anxiety

Treatment options and treatment strategies for metastatic melanoma have improved significantly in recent years. While every case and prognosis is different, roughly half of people with this type of cancer are now living ten years or longer with the cancer in remission. However, even in cases of long-term remission, the possibility of recurrence remains a concern.

During and after treatment, a person will need regular imaging tests to monitor for signs of progression or, if the cancer is in remission, signs of recurrence. Monitoring is typically done using computed tomography (CT or CAT) scans or positron emission tomography (PET) scans.

The days, weeks, or even months leading up to a scan can be a significant source of stress. The days following a scan, where a person waits for the results, can also be a significant source of stress. This is sometimes referred to as “scan anxiety” or “scanxiety.”

What are the symptoms of scanxiety?

Anxiety about an upcoming scan or test results is different for everyone. The short and simple answer is that if you think you are feeling stressed or anxious, you probably are. Some common signs and symptoms to look for include:

• Feeling overwhelmed
• Low moods
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual
• Sweating
• Increased heart rate
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and/or digestive problems
• Lightheadedness
• Tight and/or tense muscles, like in the neck or shoulders

It is important to acknowledge these signs and symptoms. While some amount of distress is expected, anxiety disorders and depression are prevalent among people with metastatic melanoma.

What can you do to manage scanxiety?

Addressing recurring anxiety or significant psychological stress is recognized as an important aspect of managing metastatic melanoma.

Here are a few strategies to explore:

Work with your healthcare team

Your healthcare team is there to support you in all aspects of treatment, including the mental and emotional challenges. You cannot control the uncertainty about what an upcoming test result will show. You can control the questions you ask and the concerns you raise at your appointments.

Some things you may consider discussing:

• What you can expect during the test
• How long it will take to get test results
• What the test results will and will not show
• Who will explain the test results
• Who is available to answer your questions
• What you can do to manage stress

Work with an oncology social worker

If you aren’t already, consider working with an oncology social worker. Oncology social workers are licensed professionals who help individuals and families navigate the different aspects of cancer. An oncology social worker can provide counseling and patient education. They can also assist you in communicating with your healthcare team, navigating health insurance, accessing resources and support for people affected by cancer, and finding ways to reduce the cost of treatment.

Work with a counselor or therapist

Even if you have never felt the need before, consider working with a healthcare provider who specializes in mental health. Mentioned above, oncology social workers can provide counseling. Other options include:

• A healthcare provider who specializes in mental health, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychiatric clinical nurse specialist
• A licensed counselor, such as a licensed mental health counselor or licensed pastoral counselor
• A spiritual or religious leader

Connect with other people living with cancer

It can help to talk to other people who have experienced a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and scan-related anxiety. Consider participating in a support group or online community for people who are living with metastatic melanoma or other forms of metastatic cancer.

Build your support network

It’s important to have people who you can reach out to when you need help. This can be a family member who accompanies you to a scan to provide emotional support, or a friend who can help you with meals or pet care when you’re recovering from treatment.

Keep a journal

You can also try keeping a journal. Taking the time to write down your experiences can help you better understand what you are feeling and ways that you can talk about it. A journal is also a good place to keep track of questions you want to ask your healthcare team.

Explore different coping strategies

A coping strategy is anything that helps you reduce or minimize stress. This can be as simple as listening to music or watching a favorite show in the days leading up to an exam. It can be making time to play with a pet, enjoy a hobby, or visit a favorite place. It can be intentional stress reducers, like mindfulness exercises, meditation, or yoga. Like many aspects of treatment, different strategies will work for different people.

At the very least, make time for the parts of your life that are most meaningful to you.