Anxiety related to medical testing—a phenomenon known as “scanxiety”—affects a significant portion of patients awaiting diagnostic procedures and results. The term describes the distress and nervousness caused by medical scans and the uncertainties accompanying them, according to Laura Howe-Martin, medical director of psycho-oncology at the UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center.
Prevalence and Risk Factors
Scanxiety is most common among cancer patients. A 2021 study of 222 cancer patients found that 55% experienced scanxiety. Researchers attribute this frequency to the high stakes of cancer treatment and the fear and uncertainty about what results might mean for disease status and treatment. The condition can result from any medical situation requiring surveillance, though it is less prevalent in other patient populations. Scanxiety is especially prevalent among those who suffer from anxiety or have a history of anxiety, according to Howe-Martin.
Symptoms and Triggers
Scanxiety manifests in various ways, including waves of feeling overwhelmed, panicked or depressed; insomnia or sleep disruptions; irritability; jitteriness or fidgeting; racing heart and sweaty palms; tension in the shoulders and neck; and upset stomach or digestive issues. These symptoms can be worsened by fear of hospitals or clinics, unclear communication between patients and healthcare providers, not knowing what to expect at appointments, and previous poor healthcare experiences.
A 2017 study of 81 cancer patients found that 79% were most anxious about results, while 12% were most anxious about the scan procedure itself. After testing, 87% reported being most anxious about scan results. Patients also worry about long-term effects of surveillance scans. In the 2012-13 Health Information National Trends Survey, 73% of surveyed cancer survivors reported at least some worry about radiation effects from surveillance scans, and 16% reported significant worry.
Management Strategies
Howe-Martin recommends turning off health-related notifications on patient portals, prioritizing self-care, practicing mindfulness, and leaning on support networks to alleviate anxiety. Mental health professionals such as psycho-oncologists can help patients develop proactive coping strategies. Seeking information about future procedures and talking with doctors about needed tests reduces unknowns and can calm anxieties. Howe-Martin emphasizes that normalizing scanxiety—helping patients understand it is temporary and will resolve—reduces self-judgment and helps people recognize they will recover from intense anxiety episodes.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.hastingstribune.com/ap/lifestyle/what-is-scanxiety-what-to-know-about-anxiety-caused-by-medical-testing/article_333d7559-1b15-562c-9d4a-785d069f865b.html