How to reduce cancer screening anxiety (scanxiety)

Scan-related anxiety, or “scanxiety,” before or after a cancer screening is common. But there are ways to help you manage these feelings and protect your mental health.

Key takeaways

• Routine cancer screenings are an important part of your overall healthcare, but they can lead to anxiety, commonly called “scanxiety.”
• Scanxiety not only makes you feel uneasy but can affect sleep, emotions, heart rate, and digestion.
• To manage scanxiety, it can help to do your research so you know what to expect, try relaxation techniques, and talk to friends and your healthcare provider for support.

You’ve finally scheduled your routine cancer screening. Maybe it’s a colonoscopy or mammogram. Good for you! These tests help detect signs of cancer in its earliest stages, when it’s easiest to treat. They’re very common, and the results usually come back normal.

So, why do they make you so nervous?

Because “scanxiety” is real, ya’ll. If you feel anxious about an upcoming scan or test result, you’re not alone. Here, we explain this feeling and how you can cope.

What is scanxiety, and what causes it?

“Scanxiety” is a term used to describe scan-related anxiety—or the stress and negative feelings that come with imaging appointments. It’s especially common before mammograms, CT scans and MRIs, colonoscopies, and follow-up exams after cancer treatment.

You may feel scanxiety for days or weeks before an imaging visit, and it can last until you receive your results. The problem is that these anxious feelings can cause other symptoms. You might:

• Have trouble sleeping, especially the night before your exam
• Feel short-tempered or emotional without understanding why
• Experience physical symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, or a faster heart rate
• Avoid scheduling or attending your exam

How can I manage my scanxiety?

There are several helpful ways to manage scanxiety, so it doesn’t take over your life.

Know what to expect

Anxiety usually happens when we fear the unknown. To reduce your anxiety before an exam, it can help to arm yourself with information. Just make sure you stick to trusted resources. The internet sometimes leans into worst-case scenarios, which doesn’t help scanxiety.

Research the test you’re having. Often, major medical organizations publish videos that show every step of the exam, so you know what to expect. You can also ask your study team any questions about your test, such as:

• What’s the purpose of this test?
• What will the test feel like?
• When can I expect results, and where can I find them?

Focus on attitude and perspective

It sounds simple, but attitude is everything. Check in with yourself, and acknowledge any fears. Remember that the test you’re getting is a tool meant to protect you. And your stress won’t last forever. You will have the information you need soon.

Try relaxation techniques

What do you normally find relaxing? Try to practice these techniques in the days leading up to and after your exam. Staying busy also helps avoid overthinking about the results. Some common ways to relax include:

• Listening to music
• Journaling about your feelings
• Deep breathing
• Taking a walk
• Talking to friends
• Putting away your phone to limit “doomscrolling”

Communicate your concerns with your care team

Your care team is there to support you and your needs. Having a team you trust and feel comfortable with can put you more at ease. Write down any questions ahead of time so you can ask your team.

If your scanxiety becomes unbearable or affects your sleep, appetite, or mental health, tell your provider. They might suggest short-term anxiety medication, therapy, or a support group.

Wait for your doctor to interpret the results

Your test results might become available in the patient portal before your doctor has a chance to review them. If you can, wait to talk to your doctor before assuming the worst. Numbers aren’t everything—they require a full assessment, considering all aspects of your health.

Seek out additional support

If you’re nervous about cancer screenings, ask for support. Bring a support person to your appointment if allowed, or call your support person before and after the exam.

At LCMC Health, your care team is here for you, too. Our primary care providers and cancer support teams know that simple screenings can cause a lot of feelings—especially if your family has a high risk of cancer or you’ve already had cancer. We’re here to care for all your needs, as a whole person.

Learn more about Cancer Care at LCMC Health.

Related questions about cancer screenings

What are cancer screenings?

Cancer screenings are tests that check for abnormal cells or signs of cancer before you have symptoms. These tests help detect cancer early, when it’s the easiest to treat. They are not diagnostic tests but are a helpful first step in making a diagnosis.

When should I start getting cancer screenings?

Talk to your primary care provider about when you should start getting cancer screenings. When you get a specific screening depends on your age, overall health, and personal risk for certain cancers.

Learn more about cancer screening recommendations.

Do I need to get a cancer screening, even if I don’t have symptoms?

Yes, the goal of a cancer screening is to find cancer, even before you have symptoms. With many cancers, you won’t have noticeable symptoms until later stages of the disease. Ideally, you feel totally fine when you get a cancer screening.

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