Scanxiety among adults with cancer: a scoping review to guide research and interventions

Summary: The article presents a scoping review of existing literature on scanxiety, which refers to the anxiety and distress experienced by cancer patients before and after medical imaging scans. The authors identified and synthesized findings from 36 articles on scanxiety among adults diagnosed with current or prior cancer.

The authors observed that scanxiety is a prevalent issue throughout the cancer continuum and may be linked to various factors related to the procedure itself or the uncertainty surrounding the possible outcomes of the scans.

The waiting period between the scan procedure and receipt of the results was described as particularly stressful, with participants reporting feeling overwhelmed by negative thoughts and fears about the potential outcomes of the scan. Some participants even found it difficult to focus on daily activities or responsibilities during this time.

The authors suggest that implementing supportive measures during scan experiences, including examining the waiting period between scans and scan results, could enhance the well-being for individuals with cancer who are going through different stages of treatment.

Article: Scanxiety among Adults with Cancer: A Scoping Review to Guide Research and Interventions – Cancers