Psychosocial | News

Leaving Cancer Worry and Fear in the Rearview Mirror in 2023

January 5th 2023

By Kelly Irvin

In 2023, instead of looking over my shoulder to see how cancer has invaded every aspect of my life, I’m vowing to face forward. No fear. No uncertainty. No what-ifs.

Everyone Thought I’d Be ‘Better’ After Cancer Treatment, But I Still Struggle

January 4th 2023

By Ngozi Ejedimu

Now that I’m six years out of my breast cancer treatment, people assume that I’m better and lack empathy. However, my anxiety is still high.

People With Cancer Explain Why They Call Themselves Thrivers and Warriors

January 3rd 2023

By Sailaja Darisipudi

Through a survey on social media, CURE® collected responses on what terms people prefer when describing their cancer experiences. Some people who have experienced cancer explain why they have embraced the terms "thriver" and "warrior."

Patient, Survivor or Neither: People With Cancer Explain Their Relationship With Certain Terms

January 2nd 2023

By Sailaja Darisipudi

CURE® surveyed its audience to see which terms they prefer to use when describing their cancer experiences. Some people who have experienced cancer explain their mixed feelings with the commonly used terms “patient” and “survivor.”

Be Better Than Cancer Shaming

December 27th 2022

By Steve Rubin

I recently came across a Twitter thread where people were shaming a cancer survivor’s decisions, forcing me to step back before reacting.

People With Cancer Explain Why They Don’t Like Labels

December 20th 2022

By Sailaja Darisipudi

CURE® surveyed its audience to see which terms they prefer using when describing their cancer experiences. Some people who have experienced cancer explained why they dislike certain labels.

Patients With Testicular Cancer ‘Should Not Shy Away’ from Seeking Mental Health Services

December 7th 2022

By Darlene Dobkowski, MA

Study findings showed that anxiety and depression may not decrease over time in patients with testicular cancer, emphasizing the importance of discussing symptoms with cancer teams.

‘Any Exercise Is Better Than No Exercise’ to Potentially Improve Mental Health in Patients With Kidney Cancer

December 5th 2022

By Colleen Moretti

A kidney cancer diagnosis may negatively affect a patient’s mental health; however, exercise may help put them at ease.

It’s OK to Not Be OK With Cancer

December 5th 2022

By Joe Bullock

Going through chemotherapy treatment was extremely difficult, and eventually I learned that sometimes, it’s OK to not be OK.

Tools Patients, Survivors and Cancer Caregivers Use to Deal With ‘Scanxiety’

November 28th 2022

By Sailaja Darisipudi

CURE® surveyed its audience to see how they cope with “scanxiety,” the anxiety surrounding cancer scans. Here’s what they had to say.

How Cancer Survivors, Patients Can Better Optimize Sleep

October 24th 2022

By Brielle Benyon

An expert recommends that cancer survivors and patients take several actionable steps to improve their quality of sleep.

Adopting a Dog Helped Me Out of the Post-Cancer and COVID-19 Rut

October 21st 2022

By Bonnie Annis

When I found myself struggling with anxiety and depression after cancer and COVID-19, I decided a therapy dog might be a good idea, so I adopted one.

HIIT Workouts May Better Reduce Stress and Anxiety in Certain Patients With Prostate Cancer

October 18th 2022

By Colleen Moretti

A patient with prostate cancer under active surveillance may encounter the fear that their cancer might progress, causing stress and anxiety. However, HIIT workouts may help put them at ease.

The Fear of Cancer Recurrence is Real, Natural and Nearly Universal

October 17th 2022

There are ways to manage the fear of cancer recurrence, so it doesn’t become overwhelming or debilitating. Physicians like me and a network of resources are here to help.

Patients With Cancer, Caregivers Detail the Unexpected Lessons They Learned From Their Disease

October 10th 2022

By Sailaja Darisipudi

CURE® surveyed its audience to gather insight into what unexpected lessons cancer has taught them. Here’s what they had to say.

Patients With Cancer Speak Up About the Types of Independence They Lost Because of Their Disease

October 4th 2022

By Sailaja Darisipudi

CURE® surveyed its audience to see how cancer-related pain or treatment-related side effects interfered with their ability to be independent. Here’s what they had to say.

5 Things Cancer Taught Me About Mental Health

October 3rd 2022

By Tamron Little

I grew up in a society where mental health was stigmatized, but cancer made me realize that it helps to speak up about these issues.

A String of Medical Appointments Made Me Realize My Fear of Cancer Recurrence

September 19th 2022

By Bonnie Annis

I never thought I’d admit experiencing fear of cancer recurrence, but at a recent medical appointment I realized that I struggle with this fear daily.

Patients With Cancer and Caregivers Share How Their Mental Health Has Changed Since Their Diagnosis

September 19th 2022

By Sailaja Darisipudi

CURE® surveyed its audience to see how their cancer diagnosis affected their mental health. Here’s what they had to say.

Getting Out of the Woods: Strategies to Cope With Fear of Cancer Recurrence

September 6th 2022

By Jeannette Moninger

Cognitive therapy, teletherapy, journaling and taking up other daily activities may help cancer survivors overcome their fear of recurrence.

A Superhero Movie Triggered My Cancer-Related PTSD

September 2nd 2022

By Robin Zimmerman

Cancer is talked about more openly nowadays, and while watching a movie with my daughter, a scene portraying a character in hospice care gave me flashbacks to our cancer experience.

Here’s How Cancer Survivors Cope With Fear of Recurrence

August 23rd 2022

By Brielle Benyon

CURE® surveyed its audience to see how they cope with fear of cancer recurrence. Here’s what they had to say.

Was My Cancer Diagnosis Really a Fluke Like My Oncologist Said?

August 17th 2022

Prior to my breast cancer diagnosis, my only goal in life was for my son to turn 16 so he could drive me to and from the local bars. Now I can’t help but think that my cancer was meant for me to change my life.

Patients With Cancer Should Speak Up About Mental Health Struggles if They Don’t Feel Heard, Expert Says

August 15th 2022

By Brielle Benyon

A psychiatrist advises patients with cancer to speak up about their mental health concerns during cancer treatment, as there are tools that can guide best next steps.

The Amount of Misinformation Online Can Lead to ‘Horribly Detrimental’ Results in Patients With Cancer, Says Expert

July 27th 2022

By Colleen Moretti

With society entrenched in an “infodemic,” it can be challenging for many patients with cancer to identify what information online is accurate. Recently, the development of a new tool may help patients decipher what news is misleading.

Emotions Are High After Receiving Good Cancer-Related News

July 26th 2022

By Steve Rubin

My oncology team and I decided that it was OK to decrease the frequency of cancer-related scans, leaving me both relieved and nervous.

I Need to Get Out of the Cancer Wormhole

July 18th 2022

By Michelle Velez

I frequently relive the day I was diagnosed with cancer and realized that I may need to limit my exposure to other people’s cancer battles.

I am Forever Grateful for All That Cancer Has Taught Me

July 18th 2022

Beyond its lessons, cancer has also brought, along with the fear and anxiety, a conviction to empower myself and to create a life that I deserve: One in which joy can triumph over that fear and that anxiety.

I Need to Address the Elephant in the Room: Cancer

July 12th 2022

By Chelsey Gomez

Heartbreak and loss trail behind us every day in the cancer world. But so does understanding, friendship and love.

The Power of Being Grateful Through Cancer’s Hardships

July 1st 2022

By Elizabeth McSpadden

As I reflect on the month of June, I see it as my “rebirth,” as four years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer, and my life has not been the same ever since.