Mental Health after Cancer: The Silent Recovery Journey
Cancer is a life-altering diagnosis that brings immense physical challenges and emotional upheaval not only for the patient but for their family and loved ones as well. While the focus during treatment is often on eradicating the disease and healing the body, an equally important battle takes place in the mind one that is often silent and overlooked. Surviving cancer is a monumental achievement, but for many patients, the end of treatment does not mean the end of suffering. Instead, it marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with uncertainty, fear, and emotional adjustment. Cancer survivorship anxiety and depression are common and refers to the persistent fear, worry, or distress experienced by individuals who have completed cancer treatment. Even after remission, survivors may feel uncertain about their health, the risk of recurrence, or the long-term effects of their diagnosis and treatment. Many cancer survivors experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). All these often stems from regular medical check-ups and scans that trigger fear about the cancer returning, feelings of loss of normalcy, independence, and sometimes even social relationships or the trauma of the diagnosis and the invasive treatments endured. The physical toll of cancer treatment like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation etc. also impacts the brain. “Chemo brain,” a term used to describe cognitive difficulties such as memory lapses and trouble concentrating which is common among survivors and the cognitive fog can add to feelings of frustration and anxiety, making it harder to return to everyday activities or work. Survivors may feel isolated, as friends and family may not fully understand these invisible struggles. Another important but often overlooked aspect is the survivor’s altered identity. Cancer can change how individuals see themselves and their role in the family, workplace, and society. For some, body image issues arise due to scars, hair loss, or other physical changes. For others, the experience brings a renewed appreciation for life but also existential questions that can lead to emotional turmoil. These mental health conditions can significantly affect a survivor’s quality of life, yet they frequently go undiagnosed and untreated. Mental health support is therefore a vital part of comprehensive cancer care. Counselling, support groups, and psychiatric help can provide survivors with tools to manage their feelings, rebuild their lives, and find meaning beyond their illness. However, many survivors hesitate to seek psychological help due to stigma, lack of awareness, or the belief that they should now be “strong” after beating cancer. Adopting a more holistic approach, integrating mental health screening and support into post-treatment care plans has proved beneficial to most survivors. Family counselling to caregivers helps in developing sensitivity and they can play a critical role by offering empathy and understanding rather than expecting survivors to “just get back to normal.” In conclusion, mental health after cancer is a silent battle many survivors face, requiring awareness, support, and compassion. You should consider reaching out for professional support if anxiety or other mental health conditions interfere with daily life or relationships, if you avoid follow-up care out of fear, if your sleep, appetite, or mood are consistently affected.-With inputs from Dr. Priyadarshini Deo, Counsellor – Oncology, Palliative Care, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
