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PubMed This is a summary of 20 peer-reviewed journal articles Updated

How to Manage Fear of Recurrence in Ovarian Cancer?

At a Glance

Fear of recurrence and scanxiety are common for ovarian cancer survivors. Evidence-based strategies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness can effectively reduce this anxiety and help you regain a sense of control in your daily life.

In this answer

4 sections

01

Understanding Fear of Recurrence and Scanxiety

02

Evidence-Based Coping Strategies

03

Navigating Scanxiety

04

Building Your Support System

If you are worried about your ovarian cancer coming back, or if you feel a surge of panic as your next scan approaches, you are not alone. Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is one of the most common and challenging experiences for ovarian cancer survivors [1][2]. It is entirely normal to feel anxious about the future after going through cancer treatment. This intense worry can deeply affect your quality of life, but there are evidence-based, actionable strategies that can help you manage these feelings and regain a sense of control.

Understanding Fear of Recurrence and Scanxiety

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is the persistent worry that cancer will return or progress. For many survivors, this fear can trigger physical symptoms of panic and disrupt daily life [3]. Scanxiety is a specific type of distress that peaks in the days leading up to a surveillance scan and during the agonizing wait for the results [4][5].

While it is impossible to erase the uncertainty of life after cancer, you can change how you relate to those fears. Intense anxiety often drives a strong desire for extra medical tests for reassurance, but this rarely provides lasting comfort [6]. Instead, a combination of psychological and medical tools can help you navigate this normal response to trauma.

Evidence-Based Coping Strategies

Psychologists who specialize in cancer survivorship have identified several highly effective therapies for reducing FCR and anxiety [7][8].

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This approach helps you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns. CBT teaches you to challenge catastrophic thinking and reframe your fears into more manageable, realistic thoughts [7][9].
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Rather than trying to fight or suppress your fear, ACT focuses on increasing your psychological flexibility—the ability to stay in the present moment and accept your feelings without letting them control you [10][11]. It helps you commit to living a life aligned with your values, even when fear is present.
  • Mindfulness-Based Practices: Interventions that teach mindfulness help you anchor your attention in the present moment rather than dwelling on future “what-ifs” [8][12]. This can be particularly powerful during the intense waiting periods of scanxiety [13].
  • Targeted Protocols like ConquerFear: Specialized structured therapy programs like ConquerFear have proven highly effective in clinical trials. This program involves sessions focused on attention training, changing how you think about your worries, and setting values-based goals [14]. Ask your cancer center’s psychosocial team if they offer this or similar specialized protocols.
  • Medication: For severe anxiety or panic attacks related to FCR and scanxiety, your doctor can prescribe short-term or long-term medications to help manage symptoms. This is a valid tool that can work alongside psychological therapies and does not mean you have failed.

The lead-up to a scan and the wait for results are notoriously difficult. You can take practical steps to ease this burden:

  • Minimize the Wait: Clinical evidence suggests that reducing the time between having your imaging done and receiving the results can significantly decrease how long you experience distress [15].
  • Make a Results Plan: Talk to your doctor ahead of time about exactly how and when you will receive your results. Knowing the plan prevents you from jumping every time the phone rings.
  • Stay Present: When your mind spirals into future scenarios, practice grounding techniques to bring your focus back to the immediate present [13]. For example, try the 5-4-3-2-1 method: name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste.
  • Bring Support: Bring a trusted friend or family member to your scan and results appointments to help manage the immediate stress and serve as a second set of ears.

Building Your Support System

You do not have to carry this burden alone. Building a strong support network is a protective factor against severe anxiety.

  • Communicate Openly with Your Oncology Team: Having a high level of trust in your clinicians and feeling that your care is tailored to you are strong protective factors against FCR [16]. Do not hide your anxiety from your doctor; they can offer tailored communication, routine psychological screening, and referrals to specialists [17]. You can start the conversation simply by asking, “Can you refer me to an oncology social worker or psychologist?”
  • Join a Peer Support Group: Connecting with other ovarian cancer survivors can be incredibly validating. Peer support models are strongly associated with reduced anxiety, lower levels of depression, and a greater sense of empowerment [18][19]. Whether in-person or moderated online, groups led by trained peers or professionals can help you navigate survivorship with people who truly understand [20].

Common questions in this guide

How can I cope with the anxiety of waiting for my ovarian cancer scan results?
You can minimize distress by asking your doctor about their policy for result wait times and scheduling a follow-up appointment immediately after your scan. Practicing mindfulness and grounding techniques can also help keep you anchored in the present moment instead of worrying about the future.
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for cancer survivors?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a psychological approach that helps you accept your feelings of fear without letting them control you. It focuses on increasing psychological flexibility so you can live a life aligned with your values, even when experiencing anxiety about recurrence.
Is it normal to need medication for scanxiety?
Yes, it is completely normal and valid to need medication for scanxiety. For severe anxiety or panic attacks related to fear of recurrence, your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage your symptoms alongside psychological therapies.
How do I know if my everyday aches are signs of cancer returning?
It is common for cancer survivors to worry that every ache is a sign of recurrence. You should discuss with your oncologist which specific physical symptoms require immediate attention versus normal everyday aches and pains that you can safely monitor for a few weeks.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Curated prompts to bring to your next appointment.

  1. 1.What is your policy for how quickly I will receive my scan results, and can we schedule a follow-up appointment right after my scan so I know exactly when we will discuss them?
  2. 2.Can you refer me to a psycho-oncologist, an oncology social worker, or a therapist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for cancer survivors?
  3. 3.Are there specific physical symptoms that I should contact you about immediately, versus normal aches and pains I can safely monitor for a couple of weeks?
  4. 4.Do you recommend any specific ovarian cancer support groups, either locally or online, that have professional moderation?
  5. 5.If my scanxiety becomes overwhelming or causes panic attacks, are there short-term medications you would recommend to help me get through the waiting period?

Questions For You

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References

References (20)
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    Coping with fear of cancer recurrence among ovarian cancer survivors living in small urban and rural settings: A qualitative descriptive study.

    Galica J, Giroux J, Francis JA, Maheu C

    European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society 2020; (44()):101705 doi:10.1016/j.ejon.2019.101705.

    PMID: 32006720
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    A systematic mixed studies review of fear of cancer recurrence in families and caregivers of adults diagnosed with cancer.

    Smith A', Wu VS, Lambert S, et al.

    Journal of cancer survivorship : research and practice 2022; (16(6)):1184-1219 doi:10.1007/s11764-021-01109-4.

    PMID: 34762248
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    Examining fear of cancer recurrence in primary brain tumor patients and their caregivers using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model.

    Braun SE, Aslanzadeh FJ, Thacker L, Loughan AR

    Psycho-oncology 2021; (30(7)):1120-1128 doi:10.1002/pon.5659.

    PMID: 33599334
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    Prevalence and severity of scanxiety in people with advanced cancers: a multicentre survey.

    Bui KT, Kiely BE, Dhillon HM, et al.

    Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer 2022; (30(1)):511-519 doi:10.1007/s00520-021-06454-9.

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    Acceptance and commitment therapy effectiveness for fear of cancer recurrence: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

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    Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Patients with Sarcoma in the United Kingdom.

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    Cancers 2023; (15(3)) doi:10.3390/cancers15030956.

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    Effects of Fear of Cancer Recurrence on Coping Among Women With Cancer: Double Mediating Effects of Perceived Health Status and Mindfulness.

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    Coping With 'Scanxiety': Within-Person Processes in Lung Cancer.

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This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your oncology team or a mental health professional about managing anxiety, panic, and fear of recurrence.

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