Fear of breast cancer coming back

Feeling anxious and frightened about breast cancer returning is very common for people who have had breast cancer. These feelings can affect a person’s ability to live well and make plans for the future. These anxieties and fears can collectively be termed “fear of cancer recurrence.”

It's okay to feel scared about it coming back.

Kym, BCNA Member

Managing your fears

While fear of cancer recurrence may never go away completely, there are ways you can manage it.

In this video, you will hear from Kym about her experience with breast cancer and how she copes with her fears of cancer recurrence.

Health professional perspective

We asked two leading health professionals to share some information about fear of cancer recurrence and some things you might like to try to help you deal with it.

Dr Carrie Lethborg is an oncology social worker and leading expert in cancer care, Carrie has more than 25 years’ experience supporting people with cancer and their families.

Professor Bruce Mann is a surgical oncologist and a leading specialist breast surgeon. He is the Director of Breast Cancer Services for the Royal Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospitals and a Professor of Surgery at the University of Melbourne. He is also the Director of Advanced Surgical Training at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Videos from health professionals

Dr Lethborg talks about what fear of recurrence is and who it affects.

Dr Lethborg talks about tips and strategies to manage fear of cancer recurrence.

Dr Lethborg talks about where to seek support and provides a list of services available for people affected by breast cancer.

Professor Mann shares his views on the challenges associated with fear of recurrence and provides some insights that may help put things into perspective.

Ongoing care

Are extensive body scans needed to detect possible recurrence?

Many people wonder if having more intensive follow up, such as full body scans and blood tests, can improve their survival outcomes after a diagnosis of early breast cancer.

In this video, Professor Mann discusses whether having more intensive follow up, such as full body scans and tests, can improve survival outcomes after a diagnosis of early breast cancer. He discusses these concerns and explains why extensive testing does not improve survival outcomes or quality of life in people who show no signs or symptoms of breast cancer recurrence.

Professor Mann discusses whether more intensive follow up, such as full body scans and tests, can improve survival outcomes after a diagnosis of early breast cancer.

Things you can do now

Watch BCNA's video on Recognising and managing fear of recurrence.
Listen to BCNA’s podcast episode on The Iron Fist: Fear of Cancer Recurrence.
Listen to BCNA’s Upfront About Breast Cancer podcast episode on Fear of recurrence.
Visit My Journey, BCNA’s online tool for information tailored to your diagnosis.
Join our Online Network if you think that talking to others online and sharing experiences will help.
Contact BCNA’s Helpline on 1800 500 258 between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm AEST Monday to Friday, for information about the services and support that may be available for you and your family.