Scanxiety is something almost everyone in the cancer and hereditary cancer community knows all too well but it's not talked about nearly enough.
In this episode of BRCA & Beyond, I'm opening up about one of the hardest parts of living with BRCA, hereditary cancer risk, and life after a cancer diagnosis: the waiting.
Waiting for test results.
Waiting for pathology results.
Waiting for biopsy results.
Waiting for an MRI, CT scan, mammogram, colonoscopy, endoscopy, or genetic testing report to appear in your patient portal.
That space between the test and the answer can feel overwhelming. The uncertainty, the fear, the endless \"what ifs,\" and the way every phone notification makes your heart race... it's a kind of anxiety that deserves to be acknowledged.
In this episode, I share my own experiences waiting for colon cancer pathology results, BRCA genetic testing, ongoing surveillance, and the emotional weight of living with recurring scans and appointments. We also talk about why common phrases like \"try not to think about it,\" \"no news is good news,\" and \"I'm sure it's fine\" often miss the mark—and what actually helps when someone you love is navigating scanxiety.
Whether you're a previvor, cancer survivor, BRCA, PALB2, ATM, CHEK mutation carrier, living with Lynch syndrome or another hereditary cancer syndrome, or simply waiting for medical test results, I hope this conversation reminds you that what you're feeling is real—and that you don't have to carry it alone.
If this episode resonated with you, I'd be so grateful if you would leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your reviews help BRCA & Beyond reach more people who are searching for support, education, and honest conversations during some of life's hardest moments.
I'd also love to connect with you! You can find me on Instagram:
🩷 @MarisStache
Thank you for being here and for allowing me to be part of your journey.
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