Anxious About Your Myeloma Exams? You Are Not Alone: Learn What Scanxiety Is

If you feel anxious before a medical scan, you’re not alone. For many cancer patients and caregivers, this feeling—often called scanxiety—can begin as soon as a scan is scheduled and continue through waiting for results. It’s a normal but often overwhelming response to the uncertainty and emotional weight that scans carry. This article can help you better understand scanxiety and prepare for scans with more confidence and less stress.

What is Scanxiety?

Scanxiety is the emotional distress or anxiety that happens before, during, or after a medical imaging test. It’s especially common in people living with or recovering from cancer, and it can happen with every scan, whether it’s your first or your fifteenth.

Other reasons could also be:

• Worries about what the scan might show 
• Fear of having to change treatments
• Physical discomfort during the procedure
• Waiting for the results

What Are Symptoms of Scanxiety?

Research shows it can affect quality of life and lead to both emotional and physical symptoms. Some people feel mild unease; others experience intense fear or even panic. In fact, up to half of cancer patients report ongoing anxiety, sometimes even post-traumatic stress.

Scanxiety can cause both emotional and physical symptoms, including:

• Trouble sleeping or concentrating
• Feelings of dread or panic
• Racing heart or shortness of breath
• Muscle tension or restlessness
• Appetite loss or nausea
• Mood swings or irritability

If these symptoms start to interfere with your daily life, let people you trust and your healthcare team know. You are not alone!

Can Scanxiety Be Prevented?

While scanxiety might not disappear completely, there are strategies that can ensure your comfort and feel more in control.

1. Try to schedule your scan early in the day. This can reduce the amount of time you spend waiting and worrying beforehand.
2. Before your scan, prepare a list of questions to ask your care team, and write down the answers or bring someone with you to take notes.
3. Schedule a time to talk with your care team 1–2 weeks before your scan. If you feel nervous about lying still, being in a closed space, or getting bad news, let them know. They might provide relaxation techniques (in case deep breathing is not an option), medication that controls anxiety or physical discomfort.
4. If it improves your experience you can ask if someone can accompany you during the exam.
5. Learn what has worked for others with the Patients Solutions tool. By creating a free account you can include what has worked for you  

Waiting for Results

For many patients, waiting for scan results is the most stressful part. Whether you’re scanning to check for recurrence, treatment response, or staging, the uncertainty during that waiting period can be especially difficult. You can plan ahead with your care team or join a community where you can share and see what has worked for others experiencing the same issue. 

Join the HealthTree Connect group to start!

Learn Coping Skills

Supportive therapies can help manage scanxiety:

• Coping skills training: Learn what works for you to break down stressful tasks and reduce overwhelm.
• Psychoeducation: Work with a mental health provider to better understand your emotions and how to manage them.
• Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, guided imagery, or meditation may help lower anxiety before and during scans.

Remember: You’re Not Alone

Scanxiety is a real and valid part of the cancer journey. By preparing ahead, asking questions, and communicating openly with your care team, you can take steps to reduce your stress and feel more empowered. Don’t hesitate to ask for support from your healthcare team, loved ones, or a mental health professional.

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You are able to work with more than one Coach at a time and can connect by phone, computer or in person. Click the button below to know more about this free resource.

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Source: 

• https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/article-scanxiety