Episode 03

Worried your cancer will come back? What helps with fear of recurrence

Feeling afraid that cancer might come back is very common after treatment, and it can feel especially strong around symptoms, scans, anniversaries or other reminders.

Blending lived experience with expert insight, Steph speaks with Tabitha Luxmoore-Styles about her experience of living with fear of recurrence, alongside Dr Lidia Schapira, medical oncologist and Professor of Medicine at Stanford University, who shares why fear of recurrence is so common after treatment, why fear can feel stronger after treatment ends, and some practical tools you can use when the worry feels overwhelming.

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In this episode, we talk about:

- common triggers, including symptoms, scans, anniversaries and external reminders such as news stories or other people’s diagnoses
- how to manage spiralling “what if it’s back?” thoughts in the moment
- what can help when every ache or pain starts to feel loaded with meaning
- living with uncertainty and finding ways for fear to take up less space in your day-to-day life
- how to talk to your doctor or healthcare team when you feel overwhelmed by worry
- when fear of recurrence may need extra support, such as therapy, groups or specialist input

Whether this is something you’re navigating yourself or you’re supporting someone you care about, this is a conversation many people recognise, even if it’s not always talked about out loud.

Useful links

Online sessions and workshops - Life after Cancer
Worrying about cancer coming back booklet pdf - Macmillan
18 grounding techniques to relieve anxiety - Calm
10-minute self-soothing meditation YouTube - Calm

Disclaimer

The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health or notice any new or worsening symptoms, please contact your GP or your medical team.

Some of the research and evidence mentioned in this episode reflects the speaker’s academic and clinical work.

The research, studies, and evidence discussed in this episode can be found under the ‘References and Studies’ tab. Some references are linked to the speaker’s academic and clinical work, and we may continue to add further sources and readings as they become available.

Connect with us

Subscribe here: youtube.com/@life-aftercancer

Website: life-aftercancer.co.uk

Instagram: @life_aftercancer

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/life-after-cancer

00:00 - Introduction
00:49 - Why fear of cancer recurrence can feel overwhelming
03:01 - Why fear often increases after treatment ends
06:21 - Common triggers including scans, symptoms and anniversaries
07:43 - How to manage fear when worry starts spiralling
13:31 - How to think about recurrence statistics
18:17 - Does worrying protect us in any way?
19:42 - When fear starts affecting quality of life
21:37 - Feeling unsafe in your own body after cancer
32:52 - What research shows can help
34:41 - Learning to live with uncertainty
38:17 - What genuinely helped with fear of recurrence
41:26 - Advice for someone in their first year after treatment
44:36 - Why fear of recurrence needs to be talked about more
47:13 - Quick fire round and practical tools

Dr Lidia Schapira is a medical oncologist and Professor of Medicine at Stanford University. After working at Harvard Medical School, she was recruited to become the founding Director of Stanford’s Cancer Survivorship Programme. Her work focuses on improving life beyond treatment through clinical care, research, and education.

We’re also joined by Tabitha Luxmoore-Styles. Tabitha was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 29, just four weeks into a new job when she found a lump during a self-check at home during the pandemic. She joins us to speak openly about her experience of fear of recurrence after treatment, what that uncertainty can feel like in everyday life, and what has helped her navigate those moments of worry.

Key takeaways in this episode

Fear of recurrence is very common

Many people experience ongoing worry about cancer coming back after treatment, and it’s recognised as one of the most common unmet needs in life after cancer.

The fear is rooted in reality

"Being diagnosed with cancer poses an existential threat. Those fears are grounded in reality."

- Dr Lidia Schapira

You don’t have to carry it alone

Talking to trusted people, joining groups, and asking your GP or oncology team for specialist support can make a real difference when fear starts to affect daily life.

We also offer free online peer support groups, expert sessions, a 6-week programme, and a community for people navigating life after cancer.

Triggers are everywhere

Symptoms, scans, anniversaries, other people’s diagnoses, news stories and awareness campaigns can all stir up powerful “what if it’s back?” thoughts.

How you respond in the moment matters

Grounding techniques, naming the fear, slowing your breathing and body, and having a simple plan for new symptoms can all help the worry feel more manageable.

Learning to live with uncertainty can take time.

"When the science can’t provide the answer and the intuition doesn’t give you an answer either, then people are left with not knowing. Part of this big challenge… is dealing with uncertainty, dealing with not knowing.”

- Dr Lidia Schapira

This podcast shares experiences and perspectives on life after cancer.

It is not medical advice and cannot replace support from your healthcare team.

Some conversations may bring up strong feelings. If you need additional support,

consider reaching out to someone you trust, your GP, or your oncology team.

You can also find free online workshops, expert sessions, peer groups and

our 6 week programme at life-aftercancer.co.uk.

Find free support