A diagnosis of cancer is a life-changing experience.  The entire journey from diagnosis, through treatment, and into recovery can be very stressful.  It is not surprising that many people living with cancer experience significant distress and at times anxiety and depression.

 

Once diagnosed with cancer there can a vicious cycle of worry that develops.  Every ache, pain, or bodily sensation can trigger a cascade of thoughts, worrying about whether cancer is growing or has returned.  This stream of worried thoughts can cause tension in the body which leads to more sensation in the body.  This cascade reinforces itself and can create an incredibly difficult experience.

 

Other emotions like anger, sadness, grief, hopelessness, and fear are very common.  Managing and living with these emotional states can be quite challenging.  Working with these difficult emotional states is an important aspect of an integrated approach.  Learning to skilfully manage these emotions can improve quality of life.