Severe anxiety over cancer

[Lancslass53]

Anyone else suffer with this? Especially breast cancer? I'm so terrified of getting it I won't go for mammos as I'm scared of the results!! I don't touch or look at my boobs. I really can't stand it I don't know where to go for help my GP isn't interested in mental health issues.

[Bkin]

I think you are causing yourself unnecessary anxiety. The good news is you have not been diagnosed, you are worried about having breast cancer because you will not go for a mammogram, you say because you fear the results. Well that is catch 22 because if you don't go for a mammogram you won't know if you are cancer free or not, hence causing yourself more anxiety.

I had no symptoms at all, it was the mammogram that showed my cancer and the biopsy to indicate type of cancer to determine treatment and surgery to remove it with clear margins.

If I had not had the mammogram I may have lost my life to the cancer as the type of cancer I was diagnosed with was aggressive and fast growing, The earlier cancer is detected the greater the chance of survival.

Get a friend to go with you, better to have a mammogram before 70 years as after that they are not offered routinely every 3 years, only on request.

Your GP can help treat your anxiety.

You are in control of your own health, its your choice to preserve it or neglect it of course.

Just think of it as a routine health check, same as dental check or blood pressure check at the doctors.

Hopefully all your fears will be unfounded,

Fear can be the killer, hope you can access this free NHS service in preservation of good health.

[Lancslass53 in reply to Bkin]

Thanks for your reply and I hope you are doing well. You are quite right I need to get the mammo done and I will. 👍

[Bkin in reply to Lancslass53]

Good job. I am 2nd year cancer free

[Lancslass66 in reply to Bkin]

Wonderful x

[Daveacr1959 in reply to Lancslass53]

I am 18 months in remission! I need a remission buddy, I get scared sometimes.

[Eklektik]

Hi Lancslass, I can so relate! When I have anxiety, I get scared of all kind of cancers. But it is the anxiety talking. I agree with bkin you should probably have a mammograph that is likely to reassure you. If not it, will allow early intervention. If your GP is not interested in mental health issues, try to find another one. As I know this is difficult, there are community organizations that are dedicated to help with mental health. Maybe contact one of those? In the hope you can find some serenity.

[Lancslass53 in reply to Eklektik]

Thanks for replying im going to take bkin's advice and go for the mammo she made me realise that cancer doesn't have to be a death sentence if caught soon enough. That was how I was thinking mainly because ive lost family members and friends this way and it starts to get you down and colour your view. Hope you find some peace too from your anxiety x

[Eklektik]

Sorry for your multiple losses

[Lancslass53 in reply to Eklektik]

Thank you for replying it's very kind of you.

[Daveacr1959]

Yes , you are not alone. But you need to be brave and go in for your well woman dr visit, mamo and pap. I am a guy who had to battle cancer in 2020. I am in remission but still scared. What kind of life is running around scared? So I try and stay positive and busy , it’s best for it .

[Lancslass53 in reply to Daveacr1959]

Thank you for taking the time to reply Im so glad you're in remission and continue to be so xx