The Fear Of Suffering From Cancer

The fear of suffering from cancer is reasonable, as long as it does not become excessive and lead to evasive or obsessive behavior. If you constantly have the feeling or suspicion that you have cancer, and this fear is limiting your life, it may be a good idea to see a psychologist.

It is normal to be afraid of suffering from cancer. Indeed, it is a serious disease whose evolution is often unpredictable and generally requires treatment that is difficult to bear. Every human being has some degree of fear in the face of illness or death.

The problem arises when the fear of suffering from cancer begins to become irrational and obsessive. In this case, it takes on the same characteristics as a phobia and is therefore called “cancerophobia”. This leads to unnecessary precautions being taken which are sometimes counterproductive.

On the other hand, exaggerated fear of cancer also leads to unnecessary emotional suffering. Any physical symptom is considered a possible sign of cancer and any object or circumstance is seen as a threat. This condition is detrimental to both mental and physical health.

Cancerophobia or excessive fear of suffering from cancer

Cancerophobia is defined as an excessive and irrational fear of suffering from cancer. The term “irrational” does not mean that this is an absurd idea or that there is no reason to fear illness. Rather, it means that the fear is excessive and not based on objective premises.

On the other hand, when the fear of cancer is too strong and takes on the  characteristics of the phobia, everyday life begins to be disrupted. Avoid the sun because it can cause melanoma. Or we suppress certain foods because there are rumors that they are carcinogenic, etc.

Cancerophobia makes us constantly anxious because we exaggerate the risks  and we see the risks where there are none. This is similar to what happens in hypochondria. Every health problem is interpreted catastrophically, even if there is no real reason.

The way of avoidance

One of the pathways taken by people with cancer is avoidance ,  which has two variations. The first is to avoid at all costs objects or situations that, real or imagined, can cause cancer. This is an escape behavior.

On the other hand, excessively preventive behaviors are developing. For example, in the field of food, the use of cell phones, etc. In addition, those who take the avoidance route come to believe that coming into contact with someone with cancer may predispose them to suffer from the disease.

The other variant of avoidance is that,  precisely because of fear of suffering from cancer, the person avoids going to the doctor. Sometimes these individuals are sure they have the disease but will not see a doctor because they do not want to have the diagnosis confirmed. They prefer to continue to live in doubt and anxiety.

The obsessive fear of suffering from cancer

Obsessive fear is another common path for those who develop cancerophobia. You could say that this route is the opposite of avoidance. Instead of straying from the topic, the obsessed person searches for all the information they can  about the illness.

Moreover,  every discomfort in her body leads her to consult the doctor or desperately seek information  as she fears that any symptoms are a warning of cancer. The problem is that, without realizing it, these individuals interpret the information they receive in a biased way.

If they go to the doctor and find no symptoms of cancer, they are sure the professional is wrong. Therefore, they consult another doctor or deny medicine in general. These people are constantly afraid, and the knowledge gained increases their fears rather than allaying them.

Myths and truths about cancer

We must be aware that being born is already a risk. Sooner or later we’re all going to die, for one reason or another. This idea is not obvious to anyone but it is more palatable and light when we face it and admit that it is an inescapable fact.

Currently, it is claimed that cancer has increased worldwide. However, many people dispute this claim. Indeed, the fact is that this disease is detected earlier and in a greater number of cases. The diagnosis has probably become more visible. Which means that the disease has seen a significant increase around the world.

Finally, cancer and other diseases can be prevented to some extent. But it is impossible to ward off them completely. In most cases, there is a confluence of circumstances, not all of which are manageable. Either way,  a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally, goes a long way in being less sick. If you think you have developed cancerophobia, we recommend that you consult a psychologist.