Emotions after cancer treatment

Macmillan Cancer Support Medical Reference

For some people, the time after treatment is when their feelings come to the surface. These feelings may include anger, fear, loneliness, loss of confidence, uncertainty and, sometimes, depression.

Anger

It’s natural to feel angry when you’ve had cancer. You may feel angry about having a serious illness, going through treatment and having to cope with the side effects. You may also feel angry about the impact the cancer has had on your life as a whole - on your ability to work, your relationships and family life for example.

Letting people know that your anger is not about them, but about your situation, can be helpful. It allows you to express your feelings and not bottle them up.

Fear about the cancer coming back

The biggest fear people have after treatment is often about whether the cancer will come back. While having treatment, you know that something is being done to stop or slow the cancer. But when treatment is over, it can seem as though nothing‘s happening and the cancer could return.

Fear and anxiety are normal reactions. They may be present all of the time or may come and go. These feelings can be very strong and difficult to cope with - you may find that you can’t concentrate, are easily distracted, sleep badly or become irritable with others. 

Fear and anxiety often lessen over time as you get on with activities not related to the cancer.

As time goes on, most people become less worried that their cancer will come back. It’s not only the worry that eases over time, but the actual risk too - when cancer does recur, in most cases it happens within the first two or three years after treatment has finished.

If you’re concerned about any unexplained symptoms, particularly any that last more than a week, you can always arrange a check-up with your GP. The likelihood is that there will be another explanation for the problem. 

Isolation and feeling alone

One of the most common feelings people have is loneliness and a sense of being on their own. This isolation can affect people at different times in their illness. Sometimes this feeling persists after treatment ends.

You may feel lonely even if you’re surrounded by family, because it can seem that no-one really understands what you’ve been through. Isolation is a common experience, and one that can be helped by talking about it.

Loss of confidence

Experiencing cancer can make you feel vulnerable. For a time, your life may be worked around the hospital visits for tests and treatment. It can seem as though you have become dependent on others and that you no longer have control over your life.

It can take time after your treatment for your strength to return and for you to feel able to do the things you used to do before your diagnosis. Setting yourself manageable goals can help. As you achieve these, so your confidence will grow. You can take back some control in your life by making plans, and this too will help build your confidence.