Dealing with Fear of Cancer Recurrence

92% of adults find life after cancer harder than treatment. If you’re finding this part tough, you’re not alone.

At Life after Cancer, we offer free support to help you navigate the challenges that often arise once treatment ends , including fear of recurrence, identity shifts, brain fog, relationship changes, and figuring out what matters now.

You can connect with others who’ve had cancer through expert-led sessions, peer support groups, coaching workshops, and our 6-week group programme – all delivered by trained coaches with personal cancer experience, or by leading experts in life after cancer such as doctors, psychologists, clinicians, and researchers.

98% of our community members say they feel less isolated and experience improved mental wellbeing after attending our services.

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Fear of cancer recurrence is one of the most common concerns for people after a cancer diagnosis, and a common reason why survivors seek psychological help or support. Researchers define it as "fear, worry, or concern relating to the possibility that cancer will come back."

In this session with Dr Lidia Schapira, we’ll talk how to deal with fear and worry relating to the possibility that the cancer will come back.

We’ll look at the triggers of fear of recurrence, talk about some of the research that helps us understand the origin and review interventions designed to mitigate this fear.

We’ll review simple exercises to help you find balance and calm and then focus on communication tips to assist you in having a productive conversation about this fear with loved ones as well as the doctors and nurses on your cancer team.

At the end of the session, you will walk away with more understanding and strategies that make this more manageable.

About Dr Lidia Schapira, Medical Oncologist and Professor of Medicine
Dr. Lidia Schapira is a medical oncologist, Professor of Medicine at Stanford University.
As a leader in her field, she was recruited from Harvard Medical School to become the founding Director of Stanford’s Cancer Survivorship Program.
Dr Schapira has built a research and clinical programme to improve the health and wellbeing of people living with and beyond cancer. Her work explores key aspects of life after treatment, from managing common physical symptoms to developing helpful mindsets.
She has published widely, edited books, and created a training programme for healthcare professionals on cancer survivorship.
She has also contributed widely through leadership roles, including:

• Leading the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s public website, sharing expert-reviewed information about cancer
• Serving on the Board of the American Psychosocial Oncology Society
• Chairing the Psychosocial Interest Group of the Multinational Society for Supportive Care in Cancer
• Holding senior roles within the American Society of Clinical Oncology

Alongside these roles, one of her key interests remains the communication between patients and oncologists, and the importance of fostering collaborative partnerships in the clinics.

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Who is this for? Anyone who has finished cancer treatment, wants to support their mental wellbeing, and would like to connect with others who’ve had cancer.

The aim: To increase physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing, and reduce isolation. The support we offer reduces the risk of serious mental distress and helps build a positive, purposeful life after cancer.

Your facilitator: Our groups are led by trained coaches who have personal experience of cancer.

Booking your place: Spaces are limited. Please book your spot, and we’ll send you the Zoom link a few hours before the session starts.

Please arrive on time: To get the most out of this coaching workshop, we kindly ask that you arrive by 18.25pm. The session will begin promptly at 18.30pm, and we won’t be able to let anyone in after that time. Arriving late means missing key parts of the session, so please do your best to be on time so you can get the full value from the workshop.

Free places: If you’re unable to make a donation, please select a free space. If all free spaces are taken and you can’t afford a ticket but would still like to attend, email us at support@life-aftercancer.co.uk with your name and the event you’d like to join - we’re here to support you.

Donations: Your donation helps keep our services going. Free tickets are available thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund.