Cancer phobia
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (November 2017) |
| Cancer phobia | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Psychology |
Cancer phobia, also known as carcinophobia, is a common phobia and an anxiety disorder characterized by the chronic fear of developing cancer. It can manifest in tremendous feelings of sadness, fear, panic, and distress. In some cases, the phobia can be so extreme that it prevents the individual from living a normal life.
Signs and symptoms[edit]
People living with carcinophobia frequently suffer from depression. Sufferers may become reclusive and obsessive over their health. They may feel overwhelmed and fail to carry out their usual functions. The fear is associated with a lack of future planning and an overall poor quality of life.[1]
Anxiety can manifest with sweating, trembling, abdominal distress, hot flashes, mental tension, and fear of dying. Symptoms of carcinophobia fulfill the diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder. [2]
Causes[edit]
Anxieties surrounding cancer are exacerbated by fears of its unpredictability and perceived “indestructibility” as well as associated fears of mortality.[3]
Cancer survivors are also susceptible to developing a debilitating fear of recurrence due to their previous experience with the disease. Half of all cancer survivors report a moderate to high fear of recurrence.[4]
Cancer phobia can also appear in people suffering from Hypochondria. PTSD is also a common cause of the phobia. Anyone can have the phobia. Fear of cancer, also known as carcinophobia, is an anxiety disorder.
Cancer fear is common among the general population. Several factors can heighten the risk of developing anxiety related to cancer, known as Carcinophobia. People may be more susceptible to anxiety if they have undergone certain experiences such as:
- Having been previously affected by cancer.
- Seeing a loved one develop cancer.
- A loved one dying from cancer.[5]
- Residing in contaminated or hazardous environments[6]
- Having prolonged exposure to toxic or hazardous waste sites[6]
- Being exposed to pulmonary irritants[6]
- Undergoing frequent X-ray examinations[6]
Treatment[edit]
Research shows quetiapine reduces somatic fear symptoms. Additionally, research has shown quetiapine to be effective in treating anxiety associated with cancer. There is evidence that quetiapine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), benzodiazepines (BZ), and other medications may be an effective option or be used with other treatments.[7]
Psychotherapeutic approaches such as Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are recommended as effective interventions for managing anxiety in cancer patients.
Cognitive-behavioral (CB) skills are used as a mind-body component to cope with cancer-related anxiety.
CBT is used for a wide variety of fears and phobias, including carcinophobia. It helps patients to increase awareness of their disorder and provides ways for patients to cope with their emotions.[8]
Non-medical interventions are applied to manage anxiety. Mind-body techniques are designed to alleviate anxiety and help manage fears and phobias, including the fear associated with cancer. [9]
Relaxation skills aim to relieve fears, stress, and bodily tension. Relaxation skills include progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and diaphragmatic breathing. [9]
Meditation techniques include journaling, meditative movement, yoga practices, tai chi, and mindful dance. Research shows relaxation skills and meditation techniques have small to significant effects on managing anxiety due to cancer.[9]
References[edit]
- ^ "Psychological Intervention Reduced Fear of Cancer Recurrence". www.cancernetwork.com. Retrieved 2017-12-18.
- ^ Sakamoto, Ryo; Koyama, Atsuko (2020-06-02). "Effective Therapy Against Severe Anxiety Caused by Cancer: A Case Report and Review of the Literature". Cureus. 12 (6): e8414. doi:10.7759/cureus.8414. ISSN 2168-8184. PMC 7331780. PMID 32626629.
- ^ Williams, Jake Thomas Warton; Pearce, Alison; Smith, Allan 'Ben' (August 2021). "A systematic review of fear of cancer recurrence related healthcare use and intervention cost-effectiveness". Psycho-Oncology. 30 (8): 1185–1195. doi:10.1002/pon.5673. ISSN 1057-9249. PMID 33880822.
- ^ "Psychological Intervention Reduced Fear of Cancer Recurrence". www.cancernetwork.com. Retrieved 2017-12-18.
- ^ Rosen, Dr Andrew (2013-05-17). "Carcinophobia or Fear of Getting Cancer". Center for Treatment of Anxiety & Mood Disorders. Retrieved 2022-12-26.
- ^ a b c d Berman, Steven H.; Wandersman, Abraham (January 1990). "Fear of cancer and knowledge of cancer: A review and proposed relevance to hazardous waste sites". Social Science & Medicine. 31 (1): 81–90. doi:10.1016/0277-9536(90)90013-I. PMID 2195665.
- ^ Sakamoto, Ryo; Koyama, Atsuko (2020-06-02). "Effective Therapy Against Severe Anxiety Caused by Cancer: A Case Report and Review of the Literature". Cureus. 12 (6). doi:10.7759/cureus.8414. ISSN 2168-8184. PMC 7331780. PMID 32626629.
- ^ "Carcinophobia - Fear of Getting Cancer - Carcinophobia Treatment". The Center for Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders. Retrieved 2017-12-18.
- ^ a b c Hall, Daniel L.; Luberto, Christina M.; Philpotts, Lisa L.; Song, Rhayun; Park, Elyse R.; Yeh, Gloria Y. (2018). "Mind-body interventions for fear of cancer recurrence: A systematic review and meta-analysis". Psycho-Oncology. 27 (11): 2546–2558. doi:10.1002/pon.4757. ISSN 1057-9249. PMC 6488231. PMID 29744965.