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Emotional Healing: The Importance of Mental Health After Cancer

October 2, 2025by Dr. Rashi Gandhi

We feel that a person who has cancer has to only fight the physical battle with cancer to lead a normal life again but this isn’t the end of the journey, it is rather a beginning of the complex new chapter. While the physical battle may be over but the emotional, social and psychological battle has just begun.  When a person is diagnosed with cancer it’s not the individual who is dealing with it, rather entire family deals with the diagnosis. Person along with his loved ones are together dealing with the physical and emotional roller-coaster. Psychological support is very important during this time to help the cancer survivor adjust and adapt with the new normal. Here Psychological support is the compass for them. Treatment has taken care of the physical disease but the survivor is left disoriented. Psychological support can help them navigate their emotions, find purpose and direction in their life again.

Let’s address some of the common psychological challenges faced by cancer survivors:

  1. Body acceptance: Many survivors struggle with changes in their appearance after surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. This can include hair loss, scars or example of removing the breast. Counselling can help them process these changes and build them a positive body image. Expressive therapy and mindfulness can help them encourage self -acceptance and confidence.
  2. Post Trauma: Cancer journey can be traumatic leaving patients with lingering anxiety about their health. Even the slightest ache in body and pain can trigger anxiety. They can become hypervigilant about their health because of the past trauma of cancer detection. Peer support and survivor support group can provide a safe space to share feelings and reduce isolation.
  3. Fear of recurrence: Many survivors live with the ongoing fear that cancer can return which can impact their daily lives and mental health. This fear haunts them constantly
  1. Shift in Social Roles : After treatment survivor often notice changes in how they relate to family, friends and colleagues. Role may shift like the caregiver might become overprotective or survivors may feel dependent or isolated as they adjust back to routine life.
  2. Change perspective and Priorities : Many survivors reevaluate relationships and life goals . They may seek more meaningful connections while distancing themselves from relationships that feel superficial or draining .
  3. Impact on intimacy and romantic relationships : Body image changes , fatigue and emotional distress can affect closeness and sexual relationships . Couples may need time, open dialogue and sometimes professional guidance to rebuild intimacy .
  4. Social Withdrawal or Isolation: Fear of recurrence and physical changes or anxiety can make survivors pull away from social activities they once enjoyed. This can lead to feelings of loneliness or being different.

Others may treat survivors differently or expect them to “bounce back” immediately. Yet with time, understanding and self-compassion, many find new ways to engage, connect and grow.

Psychological care empowers survivors to rebuild confidence , strengthen relationships, and rediscover joy and purpose in life. It helps them reconnect with their sense of identity, rebuild trust in their bodies , and find meaning in life beyond illness . it reminds them that while cancer may have changed parts of their journey, it does not define who they are . with the right emotional support community and self -compassion , survivors can move forward with resilience , hope and a renewed appreciation of life itself. Healing after all it not just about surviving but its about truly living again .

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