Terrible fear of cancer?

105>I have a terrible fear about getting cancer. I hate the word cancer. I always think that i have it and obsess about it. I've seen family members and friends die from this terrible disease. I feel like a sitting duck. A apologize to the ones who really do have it and pray for your recovery. I know I just need to live my life and whatever will be will be but it is so hard not to think about it. I'm only 37 years old and hate that i sit and think about it. I am taking anti-depressants also. Is there anyone else with this terrible fear. It seems like cancer is spreading like wild fire, is it just me that thinks this way.
Reply:One in three people will get cancer during their lifetime, so your fear is rational. However, it's such a pity that you're letting it ruin your life. Please believe that you're not the only one with fears like this!





I was never afraid of cancer but yet I got it when I was 31 years old. Two years on I'm still receiving treatment. Does it help when I say that life goes on regardless? People are amazing creatures, they can adapt to new circumstances really well. I lead my life, almost like a person who doesn't have cancer. Of course I'm somewhat restricted by the cancer treatment, but still I have no choice than to just go on living. I still have my hopes and dreams, I still read the paper, I still have a meaningful relationship etc. The difference is that I know now that life can be short, this has given me another perspective, a more meaningful one if you wish.





Loads and loads of cancer research is being done. The chances of getting cured get bigger and bigger every year. But yes, unfortunately a lot of people still die from it.





I don't mean to be rude in any way, and I really don't think you're crazy, but have you considered some sort of psychotherapy? Not because of your fear of cancer, but because you are taking antidepressants? Antidepressants only take care of the symptoms, it might be better in the long run to get some perspective on what is causing your symptoms.





Good luck!
Reply:i hope you have a long healthy life, Judith. You certainly have your priorities straight! ;0) Report It

Reply:I have the same fear as you! Probably a little different.....I watch everything I eat, and drink, and like think about it everyday!
Reply:We all fear it. Some more than others. You just need to reassure yourself that you have a lower chance than others of getting it. Do you smoke? Do you eat healthy? Do you exercise? Reassurance always helps. God bless.
Reply:something's gonna get ya and if you spend all your time worrying about cancer then you will waste your life being afraid. its just as likely that you will die while driving to work in an accident.
Reply:Many people have the same fear. Since it is real it makes all the more scary. All you can do is be in touch with your body and have a checkup once per year. I have lost many family members to this insidious disease and its always in the back of my mind. You can't dwell on it or it will consume you to the point that the mental anguish could be as fatal as the disease.
Reply:Sweetie, don't stress about it, stress is not good for you. I would suggest taking a colon cleanser every once in a while since a lot of your disease start in your colon, watch your diet and keep a positive attitude.


I know for a fact that these things are good cancer preventatives.
Reply:all you need to do is take a vacation and stop thinking about what you don't have!
Reply:I am the same way, but with everything, it's very hard..my doctor says i am a hyprcondriac. i wish i could help you and you could help me. but good luck...
Reply:Well, I am a Cancer survivor %26amp; all I can say is that you are being too paranoid! Life has so many wonderful things out there and to live your life in fear is NOT trly living at all!! I'm grateful that I'm here and well and that I get a day every day to enjoy things and the ones i love!





If you get cancer, it can be treated. Its no longer a death sentence. The treatments for it are wonderful!








Live your life and don't worry, be happy!!!
Reply:Nobody wants to get cancer. I worry about it too. I see patients in my office everyday who have fought and won the battle against cancer, are in the process of fighting, or are unfortunately losing their battle. Let me put this on perspective for you... you are at much higher risk of dying from heart disease or in a car accident. You never know what is going to happen from day to day. Live life to the fullest everyday.
Reply:I was exactly the same way, wouldnt even say the word cancer but referred to it as "the big C" then my dad got the big C and suddenly I was forced to look at it in the face. I learned everything I could about the disease, treatment and guess what? I am not so scared anymore. Educate yourself on it.. anything we avoid becomes much scarier. Avoidance truly leads to more fear of whatever it is that scares us.. face it, you are stronger than you give yourself credit for and knowledge is power. Good Luck and Health to you!!