Anxiety in Cancer Survivors

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Published

2025-12-19

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54169/ijocp.v5i02.12

Keywords:

Anxiety, Cancer patients, survivorship care

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Issue

Vol. 5 No. 02 (2025): Indian Journal of Clinical Psychiatry

Section

REVIEW ARTICLE

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Copyright (c) 2025 Simhachalam Gurugubelli, Prasad Rao, Nitesh Mutyala, Arvind Kunadi, Uma Devi Avasarala, Shivangini Singh

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Authors

  • Simhachalam Gurugubelli Clinical Assistant, Professor of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine
  • Prasad Rao Director of Schizophrenia Clinic and Psychopharmacology, Dean of Academic Affairs, Asha Hospital
  • Nitesh Mutyala Clinical Assistant, Professor of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine
  • Arvind Kunadi Assistant Program Director, McLaren Health Care
  • Uma Devi Avasarala Junior Research Officer, Asha Hospital
  • Shivangini Singh Junior Research Officer, Asha Hospital

Abstract

People suffering from cancer often suffer from anxiety, which is fuelled by worries about the future, side effects from therapy, and fear of recurrence. Through molecular mechanisms linked to stress, these psychological difficulties may affect cancer outcomes and lower quality of life. Although overlapping physical symptoms might make diagnosing anxiety difficult, validated instruments like the HADS and GAD-7 help in early detection. Younger age, unemployment, comorbidities, adverse effects from therapy, a lack of social support, financial distress and type of cancer are important risk factors. Effective strategies for reducing anxiety and enhancing emotional health include mindfulness-based exercises, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and alternative therapies like yoga and tai chi. In severe situations, pharmacotherapy may be necessary. It’s critical to address obstacles like stigma, a lack of knowledge about mental health, and restricted access to care. Cancer survivors’ psychological resilience and general health outcomes can be improved by incorporating mental health management into survivorship care.

How to Cite

Gurugubelli, S., Rao, P., Mutyala, N., Kunadi, A., Avasarala, U. D., & Singh, S. (2025). Anxiety in Cancer Survivors. Indian Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 5(02), 87–92. https://doi.org/10.54169/ijocp.v5i02.12

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