Is it normal to feel anxious after completing cancer treatment?

Yes, it is common to feel anxious after cancer treatment. While finishing treatment is a time of relief and celebration, many patients experience fear, uneasiness, or dread as they adjust to life after treatment.

What is the most common cause of anxiety after cancer treatment?

The most common fear is cancer recurrence. These feelings often intensify before follow-up appointments or scans. Staying proactive by attending appointments and communicating with your healthcare provider can help ease this anxiety.

How can I manage anxiety when returning to daily life after treatment?

Returning to work, school, or social activities can be stressful. It helps to acknowledge your feelings, communicate openly with your support system, and take things at your own pace. Be patient with yourself as you adjust to a new normal.

Can cancer treatment cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Yes, cancer diagnosis and treatment are traumatic experiences, and some survivors may develop PTSD. If anxiety feels overwhelming or persistent, speak with your healthcare provider or seek professional guidance.

What resources are available for cancer survivors struggling with anxiety?

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute offers support through its Behavioral Health team, including licensed clinical social workers who can provide in-person or telehealth therapy. Survivors are encouraged to use these resources to manage anxiety.

Anxiety After Cancer Treatment

The moment you’ve been eagerly anticipating has arrived. You’ve completed your cancer treatment, rung the bell, and your loved ones and healthcare team are celebrating you. It’s a time of joy and relief. However, you may also find yourself with a new and unfamiliar feeling of anxiety.

Anxiety has its roots in fear of the unknown, dread and uneasiness, and those are common responses to stress. After all, you have just finished one of the most challenging chapters of your life.

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The most common fear is of a cancer recurrence. It is normal for these feelings to be intense before scans or follow-up appointments. When this happens, focus on the present and acknowledge that you’ve done everything you could. Stay proactive by attending your appointments and communicating any changes to your healthcare provider.

Another common source of anxiety after treatment is adjusting to a new normal. Returning to work, school and social activities can be anxiety-inducing. It’s important to acknowledge your feelings and communicate openly with your support system. Explain that you might still have some lingering side effects, such as fatigue or pain, from cancer treatments. Take things at your own pace and be patient with yourself.

Lastly, if you are having a more difficult time than normal, you might be experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A cancer diagnosis and treatment are traumatic events—it’s OK not to be OK. Talk with your healthcare provider and seek professional guidance. As a reminder, licensed clinical social workers on the FCS Behavioral Health team are available to help and can provide telehealth therapy for FCS patients.

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about the author

Carla Blouin, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C®

Carla is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 14 years of experience providing compassionate care in diverse medical settings. Carla is a certified oncology social worker (OSW-C®) and is experienced in helping individuals and families cope with significant life events, chronic medical conditions, anxiety, depression and grief. Her treatment approach is rooted in evidence-based therapeutic techniques that consider everyone’s unique needs.