10 Ways to Overcome the Fear of Medical Procedures and/or Cancer Treatments
The thought of medical treatments can be pretty daunting. It is common to struggle with fear and anxiety at the onset. This is perfectly understandable. There may be many medical procedures to go through but not every procedure is unnerving. What is more important is to embark on the journey and you will soon realise that you have the ability to overcome them.
It’s important to remember that you are not alone in this process. There are millions of people who have gone through cancer treatments and procedures. In this post, we will discuss some tips on how to overcome the fear of medical procedures and/or cancer treatments.
Fear of Chemo is Quite Common but Very Often Unjustified
People are often scared of chemotherapy because of the negative portrayals they see in the media. TV and movies often show people with cancer going through intense chemotherapy treatments that make them very sick. While this is sometimes the case, it is not always accurate. Chemotherapy side effects vary from person to person. Some people have very mild side effects, while others have more severe ones.
It’s important to remember that chemotherapy is just one treatment option for cancer. There are many other options available, including surgery, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Talk to your doctor about all of the treatment options available to you and make the decision that is best for you.
How to Overcome the Fear of Medical Procedures in Cancer Treatment?
There are a few things you can do to help ease your anxiety about medical procedures and cancer treatments:
1. Gain Knowledge About the Procedure to Fight the Fear of the Unknown
When you are first diagnosed with cancer, it is important to learn as much as you can about your disease. This includes learning about the different types of treatments available and what to expect during each treatment. Gaining knowledge about how the treatment is done and what chemo actually looks and feels like will help to reduce fear of it by reducing the unknown.
2. Build a Great Treatment Plan with Multiple Opinions
When it comes to your cancer treatment, it is important to get a varied view from different specialists, such as surgeons and oncologists. This will help you to feel confident in the treatment plan that is put together for you. When you have multiple experts agreeing on a plan, the fear of the unknown will be lower, and you will feel more confident in your treatment.
3. Think About the Family to Gain Strength
When you are feeling scared about your upcoming cancer treatment, it is important to remember why you are doing it. Think about your family and friends who are counting on you to beat this disease. Remember that they need you and that you are strong enough to get through this. Thoughts like this can help to give you the strength you need to face your fears.
For a family, loved one, or friend that is going through cancer treatment, it can be difficult to know how to help. The best thing you can do is to be there for them. Read Supporting a Loved One on Their Cancer Journey, where we provide tips on how to be a support system for someone going through treatment.
4. Keep a Journal to Note Down Questions, Feelings, Thoughts
A great way to ease your anxiety about medical procedures and cancer treatments is to keep a journal. Write down any questions you have, as well as your feelings and thoughts. Here are some ideas for things you can write about:
What are my fears?
Why am I afraid of these things?
What are some positive things that have come from my cancer journey?
How have I grown and changed since my diagnosis?
What are some things I am grateful for?
By writing down your thoughts, you will be able to better understand your fears. You may also realize that some of your fears are unfounded. Keeping a journal is a great way to work through your anxiety about medical procedures and cancer treatments.
5. Get Repeated Assurance from the Doctors & Nurses
It is very important to have a good relationship with your doctors and nurses. They should be able to answer any questions you have and help ease your anxiety. If you are feeling particularly anxious about an upcoming treatment, ask to speak with the nurse who will be administering it. They can explain the procedure in more detail and help to put your mind at ease.
6. Learn About the Possible Side Effects and Be Mentally Prepared
One of the best things you can do to ease your anxiety about medical procedures and cancer treatments is to learn about the possible side effects. This way, you will be mentally prepared for anything that may happen. Talk to your doctor about what to expect and ask them to be honest with you.
It is important that you are prepared for the worst so that you can be pleasantly surprised if the side effects are not as bad as you thought they would be.
7. Practice Gratefulness & Religious Beliefs
There have been studies that suggest that gratitude can help to ease anxiety. Spend some time each day thinking about things you are grateful for. This can be something as simple as the sun shining or your favourite food.
If you have religious beliefs, this is a great time to lean on them. Pray or meditate each day and allow yourself to feel the peace that comes from your beliefs.
8. Take Medication if Required Upon the Approval of the Concerned Doctor
In some cases, anxiety about medical procedures and cancer treatments can be so severe that it requires medication. If this is the case, your doctor will likely prescribe a low-dose anti-anxiety medication. These medications can help to take the edge off your anxiety and allow you to better cope with treatment.
9. Have Counseling if Required
If you are finding it difficult to cope with your anxiety on your own, you may want to consider counseling. A counselor can help you to work through your fears and develop coping mechanisms. Counseling is a great option for anyone who is struggling with anxiety about medical procedures and cancer treatments.
Read How a Cancer Coach Can Help to learn more about how a cancer coach can ease your anxiety about medical procedures and cancer treatments.
10. Talk to Someone Who’s Been There
If you are feeling scared about your upcoming cancer treatments, it can be helpful to talk to someone who has been through it before. They can provide you with first-hand knowledge of what to expect and how to cope. Their words will be much more powerful than anything you read in a book or online.
You’re Not Alone!
It can be difficult to face your fears, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many people who have been in your shoes and come out the other side. Take things one day at a time, and trust that you will be able to get through this. You are strong, brave, and capable. Allow yourself to feel scared, and then take the necessary steps to move forward.
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety about medical procedures and cancer treatments, there are many resources available to help. The most important thing is to reach out for help when you need it. There are people who care about you and want to see you succeed. You can get through this!
