Post on 28-Jul-2015
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Anxiety and Cancer
Anxiety is common when facing a cancer diagnosis such as mesothelioma.
Researchers found that 44 percent of cancer patients report some anxiety and 21 percent report severe anxiety requiring treatment.
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What Contributes to Anxiety in Mesothelioma Patients?
Uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis
Fear of cancer returning or progressing
Fear of pain & disability
Fear of death
Loss of control (schedule, physical, future)
Fear of changes in relationships or roles
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What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a disturbing feeling when facing stress and uncertainty.
Symptoms of Anxiety:
Excessive worry
Poor sleep
Irritability
Restlessness
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Muscle tension
Poor concentration
Panic symptoms (rapid heart rate,
sweating, shortness of breath, nausea,
dizziness and high blood pressure)
When Does Anxiety Need to Be Professionally Addressed?
When it’s affecting your:
Sleep habits, weight or appetite
Relationships (withdrawing from loved ones or
having frequent arguments)
Ability to work or meet your responsibilities
Ability to complete your mesothelioma
treatment or make decisions about your care
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Risk Factors Associated with Anxiety During Treatment
Personal or family history of anxiety
disorder
Drug or alcohol abuse
History of physical or emotional trauma
Lack of emotional support
Uncontrolled pain
Cancer progression
Unable to care for themselves due to pain,
fatigue or disease progression
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Relationship Between Anxiety, Mesothelioma and Treatment
Anxiety can worsen some of the symptoms of
mesothelioma or exacerbate the treatment side effects.
If a patient is anxious and not sleeping, then their
cancer-related fatigue will worsen.
If a patient is experiencing nausea from chemotherapy,
then anxiety may increase the nausea.
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Screening for Anxiety
In 1999, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
recommended routine screening and treatment for anxiety (and
other types of emotional distress) throughout cancer care.
Many oncology practices now regularly assess their patients for
symptoms of anxiety and make referrals to mental health
professionals for treatment.
SOURCE: http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/f_guidelines.asp
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Treating Anxiety When Diagnosed with Mesothelioma
Anti-anxiety medications:
Ativan (Lorazepam)
Xanax (Alprazolam)
Ativan is commonly given with chemotherapy as it also has an anti-emetic effect.
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Valium (Diazepam)
Klonopin (Clonazepam)
Medication Use
Some cancer patients are reluctant
to try medication for anxiety for
fear of addiction or over-sedation.
However, its short-term use is
appropriate and common in cancer
care and significantly improves
quality of life.
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Counseling and Behavioral Techniques
Relaxation strategies
Psychotherapy challenges irrational
beliefs and thoughts that can
contribute to anxiety
Learning to problem-solve and
practice healthy coping skills helps
mesothelioma patients manage their
anxiety symptoms
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Conclusions
Anxiety is common throughout during the course of mesothelioma care.
Oncologists and cancer centers now are routinely screening for anxiety and offering referrals to counselors or prescribing anxiety
medication to alleviate the distress associated with anxiety.
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