Anxiety and Mesothelioma

Dana Nolan, MS LMHCLicensed Mental Health Counselor

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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Contact Information

1-800-615-2270

(800) 615-2270