How do I cope with the fear that my cancer will come back?

Fear that the cancer will come back—a recurrence—is probably the most common fear after treatment ends, according to the National Cancer Institute. Getting scans or follow-up tests can make people feel very anxious; some survivors call this "scanxiety."

The reassuring part is that fear of recurrence is normal and often lessens over time. Even years later, follow-up visits, certain symptoms, a loved one's illness, or the anniversary of your diagnosis can bring the worry back.

Several steps can help you manage it:

• Let your care team know your concerns so they can give you the facts about your risk and reassure you they're looking out for you.
• Know that it's common to worry about every ache and pain—ask how long side effects might last, and report symptoms that worry you.
• Take notes about symptoms and questions before follow-up visits.
• Ask for a follow-up care plan, which summarizes your treatment and next steps and can give you a sense of control.
• Talk to a counselor if your fears feel like more than you can handle.
• Keep busy while waiting for test results, and focus on what you can control.

If your fears feel overwhelming, ask for a referral to someone you can talk to—support groups may help too.