Breast Cancer awareness month runs in October and we have teamed up with Richmond-based psychotherapist and cancer counsellor Karin Sieger to do just that: raise awareness and increase understanding of the disease.

When we are in remission from cancer with no evidence of disease (NED) we may feel great relief and expect life to return to 'normal'. Yet sooner or later we may realise that things are not that straight forward.

What's going on?

The impact of cancer does not end with remission.

It can be hard to forget what we have gone through. The experience of a cancer diagnosis and treatment can be traumatic, leaving some patients with symptoms of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder).

Even if we are lucky enough to go into remission, cancer is a life-changing disease, and this includes life post-treatment. Anxiety, depression and even panic attacks are common.

More from Karin Sieger:

October is Breast Cancer awareness month. Why should that matter to you?

What is going on? If this is you, then you may recognise some of the following:

• Post-treatment is often an anti-climax, when the emotional built-up is finally released and felt more strongly.
• The end of regular medical care and appointments can leave us feeling afraid. What if the cancer returns? Who to talk to about that, esp when COVID may make it hard to get appointments?
• Life around us continues as normal. Yet we cannot go back to 'normal' and pretend our cancer never happened.
• Perhaps the most potent issue of all is that of uncertainty over whether the cancer may come back. Most people will have been told the symptoms of secondary cancer, which depend on the nature of the initial cancer. Many react with a heightened alertness to any sign of discomfort.
• Side effects of cancer treatment or drugs we are recommended to continue taking can also be a constant reminder of the cancer and impact our physical and mental wellbeing.
• Some people will have experienced financial hardship during their cancer treatment. Others are still not well enough to return to work, have lost their jobs, may never be able to return or decide against returning to their previous work schedule.
• It is not uncommon to have less supportive relational experiences during their treatment from family or friends. Many have to go through cancer all by themselves.

1. What you experience is normal, which does not make it less easy. You have not done anything wrong or failed. You are not alone in feeling this way.
2. You have options and choices of how to manage your life and relationships. Often a cancer diagnosis and treatment becomes a powerful incentive to make changes in our lives, because life is precious and can be short.
3. Self care is important. Take regular (even small) breaks throughout the day, when you focus on yourself.
4. You may find yourself emotionally and physically more fragile, more irritable and easily stressed. Looking after yourself and avoiding stress is essential. A healthy diet, reducing stimulants, regular (not necessarily energetic) exercise and fresh air help reduce stress and assist your physical and emotional well-being.
5. Be aware of your anxiety triggers (e.g. an up-coming check up, or arguments at home) and learn to manage them.
6. Follow your intuition and start saying 'no' when necessary.
7. Strengthen your self confidence by reminding yourself of how much you have endured and how well you have done to have come so far!
8. Your cancer experience is as individual as you. Work out what is best for you and what will help you move through your life as best as you can. From time to time you may need to review and change your strategy. Again, that is normal and good.

If you are concerned about a cancer diagnosis or re-diagnosis then check out my article on Richmond Nub News here.

Staying positive is easier said than done. Talking about how you feel with someone independent can help. Many hospitals do provide psychological support. You can also find help online on websites like Macmillan Cancer Support, Breast Cancer Now and many more.

Worried about breast cancer? Here is a useful article to help you check your breasts regularly. If you have any concerns, then do get in touch with your GP.

[i]Karin Sieger is a psychotherapist and cancer counsellor based in Richmond who offers support online across the UK and beyond. She has been diagnosed with breast cancer twice. For more information visit Karin's website.