Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: marge on January 24, 2020, 04:23:27 PM

Title: Health anxiety and cancer symptoms
Post by: marge on January 24, 2020, 04:23:27 PM
Flicking through my Good Housekeeping magazine with a cup of tea this afternoon, l was horrified to see the title 'The Cinderella Cancers' and then symptoms to look out for. I couldn't read it as I know, within hours, I'd develop every symptom. Health anxiety's a nightmare  :'(
Title: Re: Health anxiety and cancer symptoms
Post by: Sparrow on January 24, 2020, 04:32:28 PM
The trouble is a lot of cancer symptoms are similar to more innocent conditions.  Unfortunately a lot of cancers are discovered in A&E departments so worrying about symptoms will not help.

I tend to assume any symptoms I may have are of no concern unless they continue for an unreasonable time, or get subsequently worse.  Doctor Google is a great tool so long as you don't take it too seriously.
Title: Re: Health anxiety and cancer symptoms
Post by: marge on January 24, 2020, 04:52:45 PM
I know you're right, Shadyglade. As my non-HA sufferer sister says to me 'why do you always assume the worst and not the 99 other things it could be'. Oh to be like that!
Title: Re: Health anxiety and cancer symptoms
Post by: Blot on January 24, 2020, 05:49:12 PM
Ladies, there was a point in my life that I just couldn't read magazines, watch the news or anything health related as it would set me off. I'm slightly better now but I think 'that's why I watch all the rubbish, easy viewing that I do.

Real life is just too hard to take sometimes so I have to escape.

Wish I didn't assume the worst too 🙁
Title: Re: Health anxiety and cancer symptoms
Post by: CLKD on January 25, 2020, 02:54:10 PM
When severely depressed I couldn't read magazines; unable to concentrate on a TV/radio programme or read.

My lump was found on palpation in the bath: it was the lump that had the cancer, not the breast.  Although statistically I had breast disease  ::).  I feared most, anxiety attacks stopping me going to appts..  That was months of treatment and radiation sessions ..........

If googling to to NHS web-sites.  So much crap out there!