5 Ways to Manage Stress After a Cervical Cancer Diagnosis
Navigating a cervical cancer diagnosis and feeling overwhelmed? These strategies and resources can help you cope.
Processing the news of a cervical cancer diagnosis can be distressing, especially if you feel alone in your experience. Thinking about next steps to take can make the experience feel even more stressful. There are medical appointments to schedule, treatment options to consider, and other important decisions to be made. Feeling anxious, nervous, and afraid are all normal responses to any cancer diagnosis and the stress it can cause.
First, take a deep breath, and know that you are not alone. There are resources you can turn to for information, guidance, and support.
Consider these 5 tips to help you cope and navigate your experience:
1. Make a list of your questions and concerns about treatment.
Treatments for cervical cancer depend primarily on the stage of the cancer, your general health, and your desire to preserve fertility. In our cancer experience survey, 30% of participants with a cervical cancer diagnosis reported not being knowledgeable about treatment options. In addition, 54% reported they were not knowledgeable about the financial impacts of their treatment.
If you are newly diagnosed, know that you have time to:
- Get a second opinion.
- Talk through your options and questions with your doctors.
- Develop a treatment plan with your healthcare team that fits your needs and goals.
Find some quiet time to gather information about treatment options for cervical cancer. Write down your questions and concerns. Are you concerned about potential treatment side effects, treatment costs, or other issues? Bring your list of questions and concerns to your appointments and discuss them with your doctor. You can also ask a trusted friend or loved one to come with you to take notes.
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2. Learn ways to manage potential side effects.
In our cancer experience survey, more than half of participants with cervical cancer reported being too tired to do the things they want or need to do. In addition, 59% of participants expressed being moderately to seriously concerned about eating and nutrition.
Your cancer treatment or the cancer itself may lead to unwanted symptoms or side effects, such as nausea or fatigue. Some people also experience side effects after treatment ends. Everyone reacts differently to treatment. If you do experience side effects, there are coping methods that can help. Be sure to communicate with your healthcare team about how you are feeling. They can help you maintain your quality of life during and after treatment.
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3. Create a support system.
Remember that you don’t need to manage the pressures of your diagnosis alone. Having support at every stage of your cancer experience can help improve your sense of well-being. Support can include practical help like rides to medical appointments, assistance with childcare or pet care, or help with meals.
One way to organize a support system is by joining MyLifeLine, CSC's free digital support community for people impacted by cancer. Create a personal support site that comes with a Helping Calendar tool. Share updates with friends and family, and use the calendar tool to organize upcoming events and coordinate help from your network. The calendar tool makes it easy to request the help you need, when and where needed.
Emotional support is also important. Receiving encouragement from trusted friends and loved ones can boost your morale. Talking with others who are going through similar experiences can also help you feel connected and understood. Join our discussion forums for people impacted by cancer to connect with others like you.
If you want to connect with others in person or close to home, consider joining a local support group. Our caring and supportive community includes CSC and Gilda’s Club locations around the country, with programs like support groups, yoga classes, and educational workshops for people impacted by cancer.
As you navigate your diagnosis, it’s also important to be mindful of your mental health needs. In our cancer experience survey, more than half of participants with cervical cancer were at risk for anxiety and depression. If you think you may be experiencing depression or anxiety, speak with your healthcare team. They can connect you with an oncology social worker or other mental healthcare professional.
4. Address workplace concerns.
If you are worried about balancing your cancer diagnosis and your job, you are not alone. In our cancer experience survey, 45% of participants with cervical cancer were moderately to very seriously concerned about changes or disruptions to work.
It can be challenging to talk about your cancer in your workplace. Some companies are supportive of employees with cancer and do their best to accommodate for missed work days and shifting job responsibilities. If you are worried about how to navigate cancer and the workplace, ask your healthcare team to connect you to an oncology social worker. You can also contact our Cancer Support Helpline for information and resources at 888-793-9355.
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5. Focus on your health.
Our research suggests that worries about the cancer returning or advancing may be common among women with cervical cancer. In our cancer experience survey, 66% of participants were moderately to seriously concerned about their cervical cancer progressing or coming back.
Whether you are learning to live with cancer or are adapting to life post-treatment, focus on your everyday lifestyle choices. Maintaining a healthy routine by eating a nutritious diet and staying active can empower you in survivorship.
Follow-up care is also important. Women need regular check-ups to monitor changes in their health. Check-ups may include physical exams, Pap tests, chest x-rays, and other procedures. Talk with your healthcare team about developing a survivorship care plan. Let your doctor know right away if you have any symptoms or concerns.
Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in January 2021 and has been updated.