When Cancer Triggers Post-Traumatic Stress

• Symptoms of post-traumatic stress are usually tied to events like war, natural disaster, or sexual assault. But often, they can affect people with cancer, too.

  These anxiety symptoms can develop after a person has a deeply frightening or disturbing experience that they may perceive as life-threatening, such as a cancer diagnosis.

  Post-traumatic stress can occur at any point during a cancer journey. And if it isn’t managed, it can progress to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which may be longer-lasting and harder to treat.

  Fortunately, recognizing—and understanding—cancer-related trauma can help you take steps to manage it.  

  What causes it?

  There probably isn’t a single cause of cancer-related PTSD. Instead, it may arise from many traumatizing or triggering events.  

  For instance, being told you have cancer, undergoing treatment, having a long hospital stay or going in for tests after you’ve finished treatment may cause or trigger symptoms.

  Researchers have found that as many as 1 in 3 people with cancer experience some degree of post-traumatic stress. At its worst, the heightened anxiety, worry, or fear can interfere with a person’s daily life.  

  Having post-traumatic stress or PTSD may even affect the health of someone who has cancer—if, for instance, being in their doctor’s waiting room or smelling alcohol swabs triggers anxiety symptoms, that person might be more likely to skip appointments or avoid treatment.

  Recognizing PTSD in people with cancer

  People with cancer can develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress shortly after their diagnosis, but their problems can occur anytime during or after treatment. If they are experiencing post-traumatic stress or full-blown PTSD, they might:

  • Have nightmares and flashbacks to cancer-related events
  • Avoid places, events, or people that trigger bad memories
  • Have intense feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness
  • Have trouble sleeping or concentrating
  • Lose interest in activities or relationships that used to be enjoyable
  • Have scary or unwanted thoughts
  • Partake in self-destructive activities, such as abuse drugs or alcohol

  Although these symptoms can occur in anyone with cancer, patients who’ve experienced a previous trauma or PTSD unrelated to cancer are at higher risk. Also at increased risk are those who have a history of anxiety or depression.  

  Get the help you need

  Post-traumatic stress and PTSD can feel overwhelming, but they are treatable. It’s just one of the ways Fox Chase’s team of psychologists, psychiatrists, and other experts support patients during their cancer journey. Talk with your oncology team if you think you may have these conditions.  

  They may recommend options like:

  Cognitive behavioral therapy 

  This type of therapy can help you become less sensitive to triggers by teaching you how to understand your symptoms and how to change your anxiety-causing thinking patterns.

  Relaxation techniques 

  When faced with a trigger, taking deep breaths or imagining a peaceful place can slow your stress reaction and help you feel calmer.  

  Connecting with others 

  Going to a cancer support group and talking with people who are going through the same thing can give you new ideas for coping with your feelings. Some people benefit from the buddy system—having a peer that’s gone through the same experiences.

  Medications 

  Antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antianxiety drugs, and antipsychotic drugs can be useful for managing severe symptoms of PTSD.  

  Reach out

  At Fox Chase, we’re here to support cancer patients at every step of their journey, during treatment and beyond. If you’re experiencing symptoms of traumatic stress or coping with other emotional issues, let your healthcare team know.