Scanxiety

Scanxiety’ is a term that’s used to describe the stress and anxiety people commonly feel when they’re waiting for the results of scans and other medical tests. Testing is a regular and essential part of not just cancer treatment but also ongoing monitoring, so this anxiety can be a continual challenge for those living with a cancer diagnosis. Holding the tension between hoping for the best and fearing the worst each time a test is done can be emotionally exhausting.

Symptoms of scanxiety don’t only affect emotional health., they can also influence physical and psychological health. People may have trouble eating or sleeping, they may seem moody or preoccupied, or they may simply feel out of control. Increased heart rate, irritability, sweaty palms, and nausea are all common symptoms that people experience.  It can be useful to recognise what symptoms show up for you, so you can better understand your stress responses and consider what you can do to lessen the impact.

Our presenter, Ella Sexton is a Senior Psychologist at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in the Psychosocial Oncology Program.  Ella will talk about the many ways that scanxiety can affect women, and suggest some possible strategies for managing it. There will be plenty of time for questions and comments.

Ella completed her Master of Clinical Psychology at the University of Melbourne, receiving the Dean’s Award and Elgin Prize for achievement in the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences. She has worked in a number of public mental health roles, including acute hospital settings, mental health and community health. Her areas of interest are in providing psychotherapeutic interventions to patients and their families throughout their cancer experience.

Audience: Women at any stage of their cancer experience. Family/ partners/ support people of women with a cancer diagnosis are also welcome to attend.

Click here to register for the Scanxiety webinar.

or call us on 1300 781 500

Registrations close 4pm Wednesday 21 August