Cancer Phobia

Cancer phobia, also called carcinophobia, is a persistent, excessive dread of developing cancer that functions as both a specific phobia and an anxiety condition. It can produce intense sadness, fear, panic and distress, and in severe cases substantially interferes with daily functioning, sometimes accompanied by depression, withdrawal or a fixation on health concerns. The fear is tied to cancer's perceived unpredictability, its severity, and its association with mortality. Cancer survivors are particularly vulnerable: about half report moderate to high fear of the disease recurring. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mind-body approaches such as relaxation exercises, meditation, yoga and tai chi are the evidence-based treatments used to manage the associated anxiety.