There can be multiple underlying factors leading to a cancer diagnosis, and one aspect to explore further is the effects of stress. How can we minimize stress in our daily lives to help after the diagnosis?

How Stress Can Potentially Affect the Body

 

According to research, there is not one area of the body that stress does not affect. How the body responds to these stressors could include changes in appetite, leading to increased irritability. In addition, sleep quality from feeling stressed may increase difficulty concentrating.

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Stress Unique to Cancer Patients

For a cancer patient, there are unique forms of stress. These can include:

• Psychological Stress- This could leave a patient diagnosed with cancer with feelings of sadness or worry and pressure

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• Cancer-related post-traumatic stress could promote stress associated with a cancer diagnosis and the feeling of recurrence.

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• Physical and social stress- These stressors can potentially affect the body by diminishing energy so that rest does not provide a feeling of being re-energized

 

 

Approaches to Minimize Stress

 

While stress itself may be unavoidable, there are things that a patient with cancer can do to help minimize its effects.

• Taking a walk outside - Research from the American Psychological Association suggests that being outdoors can promote mental clarity and awareness. Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air; it may help to minimize stress and encourage positive emotions.

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• Social interaction with a pet- Some research has shown that playing with a pet can help comfort and minimize stress for cancer patients.

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• Finding a hobby- Research from Cancer.net suggests that a hobby can provide focus and a sense of purpose. Completing tasks can provide distraction and promote an understanding of success.

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• Listening to music- Some research has shown that listening to music could provide a calming effect and may help reduce side effects

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• Exercise – Engaging in weekly exercise can be beneficial to managing stress. Before any exercise regimen or physical activity, talk to your doctor to ensure what exercise options are best for you.

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• Finding a Support Group – Many organizations provide support, such as the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Finding a support group to discuss common topics, concerns, and success stories could help relieve stressors unique to a cancer patient.

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Conclusion

 

Stress can be a common factor in everyone's lives that can affect hundreds of people each day, but for a cancer patient, it is unique. Finding ways to manage stress as a cancer patient are critical to recovery and reducing the potential for recurrence. Social interaction, hobbies, music, and support groups are helpful ways to manage stress and provide support when needed most.

 

 

 

 

 

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(Mayo Clinic (2021, March 24). Healthy Lifestyle Stress Management. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987 National Cancer Institute. (2012, December 10) https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/feelings/stress-fact-sheet

National Breast Cancer Foundation. Psychological Stress and Cancer. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/feelings/stress-fact-sheet

National Cancer Institute. (2012, December 10) https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/fatigue/fatigue-pdq

National Cancer Institute. (2021, January 14). https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2021/cancer-returning-stress-hormones

National Cancer Institute. Fatigue. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/fatigue/fatigue-pdq

National Breast Cancer Foundation. Breast Cancer Support Group. https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/nbcf-programs/breast-cancer-support-group Cancer Research UK. Music Therapy. (2019, March 7). https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/music

Stoller, R. (2016, November 7). 7 Ways Dogs Help People with Cancer. National Foundation for Cancer Research. https://www.nfcr.org/blog/blog7-ways-dogs-help-people-cancer/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl5yN-Jj99QIVTxvUAR1_RAe8EAAYAiAAEgIoefD_BwE

Cancer.Net. (2019, July) Managing Stress. https://www.cancer.net/coping-with-cancer/managing-emotions/managing-stress

Weir, K. (2020, April 1).

American Psychological Association. Nurtured by Nature. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature#:~:text=From%20a%20stroll%20through%20a,upticks%20in%20empathy%20and%20cooperation.