Medical PTSD in People With Cancer

For many people, cancer is the worst health fear of all. Often, just the word "cancer" leads people to imagine hair loss, chemotherapy, nausea, and other physical symptoms. However, the physical symptoms of cancer are not the only thing that can take a toll on a person living with the condition.

Around 40 percent of people with cancer feel significant social and emotional distress during their treatment. About one-third of them experience such distress that they need help from a professional.¹

Cancer is often life-threatening and catastrophic, and some people cannot recover from the trauma of a cancer diagnosis. Many people who are being or have been treated for cancer develop medical post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD affects their emotional and physical well-being not just during treatment but afterward, too.¹

A person with PTSD may feel:¹

• Anxious
• Fearful
• Irritable
• Hyper-vigilant
• Emotionally numb

PTSD symptoms may last for years after a cancer diagnosis

The symptoms of cancer-related PTSD can last for years after cancer and cancer treatment-related symptoms are gone. Research shows that 1 in 3 people who have or had cancer have PTSD symptoms.^1,2

Even years after treatment, people who have had cancer often wonder if it will come back and worry about the future. They also may feel a loss of independence and that they have a changed role within their family. And they may be less able to carry out day-to-day activities.²

Feelings of fear and sadness are common

High levels of anxiety and sadness are typical reactions when someone finds out they have cancer. These feelings often persist during cancer treatment, too. Well-meaning loved ones may tell them they should “think positively” and “fight the cancer.” So, many people with cancer feel that if they show fear or sadness, they are being “weak.”¹

Some people living with cancer may also think that their negative emotions will have a harmful effect on their immune system. However, it is common to feel sad and afraid during this extremely stressful period.¹

While it can be hard to process all of their emotions, doing so can make people with cancer stronger emotionally in the long run. Not processing the emotions can put them at an increased risk of depression and sleep troubles.¹

Signs of post-traumatic stress in people with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma

Many people with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma show signs of post-traumatic stress. In some, this stress will lead to PTSD. Signs of post-traumatic stress may include:³

• Problems sleeping
• A loss of interest in life
• Feeling fearful, irritable, or defensive
• Avoiding other people
• Not being able to think clearly

The impact of PTSD in people with cancer

PTSD in people who have had cancer often goes undiagnosed and untreated. How cancer-related PTSD affects the treatment outcome in people with cancer is not known. However, research shows that a possible outcome of PTSD may be that people with cancer are less likely to stick to their treatment plans. They may also be less willing to follow a healthy lifestyle.¹

Medical PTSD can have serious and long-lasting effects. Personal relationships can be affected, and people may feel unable to live a normal life. Avoiding people and places linked with cancer, such as doctors’ offices and support groups, is all part of PTSD. But as a result, those with the condition may not get the professional care they need to help them feel better.³

Getting help for PTSD

Counseling may help those who have PTSD after a cancer diagnosis. A counselor may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or another form of therapy. The goal of therapy is to help people rediscover a healthy relationship with their body.^2,3

A counselor may have someone retell the story of their traumatic experiences. The therapist may help them reconnect with their body through yoga or other mindfulness activities. They also may help them explore how the trauma of having cancer has affected so many areas of their life. Setting a goal for moving beyond the traumatic experiences can be an important step of therapy.^2,3

Support groups can also benefit people with cancer who have post-traumatic stress symptoms. These groups can provide interaction with people with similar experiences and symptoms, emotional support, and coping skills.^2,3