Dealing with colon cancer is not just about chemotherapy schedules, surgery dates, or CT scans. It’s also about waking up each day with a cloud of worry hanging over you. It’s about trying to smile for your loved ones while silently screaming inside. So here’s the question we don’t ask enough: How are you, really—mentally and emotionally?
If you or someone you love is navigating the colon cancer journey, it’s time to put mental health at the centre of the conversation.
Why Mental Health Matters in Colon Cancer Care
Colon cancer doesn’t only affect the body—it shakes up every corner of your life. From the moment of diagnosis, patients often face a whirlwind of emotions: fear, confusion, anger, even denial. And that’s perfectly normal.
But when these feelings pile up, day after day, they can take a serious toll. Studies show that depression and anxiety are significantly higher among cancer patients, particularly those facing long-term treatment.
Supporting mental health isn’t just a bonus. It’s a critical part of healing. Patients who feel emotionally supported are more likely to stick with treatment, make healthy decisions, and enjoy a better quality of life—even during tough times.
Common Emotional Challenges Faced by Colon Cancer Patients
Let’s talk honestly. What kind of emotional struggles do colon cancer patients often go through?
- Fear of the unknown: “What’s next?” or “Will I survive?” are questions that haunt many.
- Anxiety about test results and upcoming treatments.
- Body image issues, especially after surgeries like ostomies.
- Social isolation from friends or family who don’t know how to offer support.
- Guilt for being a burden, or survivor’s guilt after treatment.
These feelings can be overwhelming, especially when bottled up. But acknowledging them is the first step toward healing.
The Link Between Chronic Stress and Cancer Progression
Stress is more than just a bad day at work. When it becomes chronic, it messes with your immune system, disrupts sleep, and increases inflammation—none of which are helpful during cancer treatment.
There’s growing evidence that ongoing stress might even affect how cancer behaves in the body. While stress doesn’t cause cancer, it can complicate recovery and increase the risk of recurrence.
So if you’ve been brushing off stress as “just part of the process,” think again. Managing it could help more than just your mood.
Recognising the Signs of Depression and Anxiety During Treatment
Here’s a truth many don’t realise: mental health conditions often go unnoticed in cancer patients. Why? Because fatigue, loss of appetite, and poor sleep—common symptoms of depression—can look a lot like side effects from treatment.
So, what should you watch for?
- Feeling hopeless or helpless
- Withdrawing from people you care about
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Panic attacks or constant worrying
- Difficulty concentrating
If these signs last more than two weeks, it’s time to talk to someone.
Coping Strategies: What Really Helps?
Everyone’s journey is different. But here are a few strategies that many colon cancer patients say make a real difference:
- Mindfulness meditation – even five minutes can calm racing thoughts.
- Journaling – helps to process feelings and notice thought patterns.
- Daily routines – a simple structure can bring back a sense of control.
- Limit doomscrolling – news and social media can drain your energy.
- Talk to someone – a friend, a partner, or a therapist.
And don’t underestimate the power of small joys. A favourite song. A warm blanket. A silly movie. Healing doesn’t always look profound—it often looks quiet and personal.
The Role of Psychologists and Psychiatrists in Cancer Care
Not sure who to talk to about how you’re feeling? Here’s the breakdown:
- Psychologists can help you work through fear, trauma, or grief using therapy tools like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy).
- Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication if depression or anxiety becomes too difficult to manage alone.
Both roles are essential. And neither means you’re “weak” or “not coping.” It means you’re human.
How Support Groups Can Make a Difference
Ever felt like no one really gets what you’re going through? That’s where support groups come in.
Being surrounded (even virtually) by others who’ve walked a similar path can be incredibly comforting. You’re not alone in your fears, your struggles, or even your victories.
Some people prefer in-person groups, while others feel more comfortable in online forums or private Facebook communities. Try a few until you find the one that fits.
Involving Family and Friends in Mental Health Support
Let’s be honest: loved ones mean well, but they don’t always know what to say or do.
Teach them how to help:
- Be honest about your needs. Say, “I just need someone to listen,” or “I’m not ready to talk.”
- Let them in—emotionally and logistically.
- Share resources so they can better understand what you’re going through.
Support goes both ways. Sometimes helping others help you strengthens the bond.
Navigating Guilt and Emotional Burdens
Many patients carry a quiet weight: “I feel like a burden.”
This guilt is heavy—and unfair. Remember, needing help doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re facing something huge. It’s okay to lean on others.
Some also feel survivor’s guilt—especially after successful treatment when others didn’t make it. These feelings are real and deserve space to be processed.
Mental Health in Survivorship: Life After Treatment
You’d think finishing treatment would feel like crossing the finish line. But for many, it brings a new kind of anxiety:
- “What if it comes back?”
- “Who am I now?”
- “Why don’t I feel happy like I thought I would?”
This is normal. Survivorship is a transition, not an ending. It’s okay to seek mental health support even when the scans come back clear.
When to Consider Medication for Anxiety or Depression
Some patients hesitate to try medication—worried about stigma, side effects, or what others might think.
Here’s the truth: if your emotional pain is interfering with daily life, medication might help you function again. And that’s worth it.
Always discuss options with a healthcare provider. Sometimes even short-term use during treatment or recovery can offer significant relief.
Holistic Approaches: Mind-Body Therapies
Mental health support doesn’t stop at the clinic. Many patients find relief through complementary therapies:
- Yoga or gentle stretching
- Breathwork and meditation
- Art therapy or music therapy
- Acupuncture or massage
These aren’t “alternative” cures. They’re supportive tools to help you feel whole again.
Talking to Your Oncologist About Mental Health
It might feel awkward, but your oncologist needs to know how you’re doing emotionally—not just physically.
Try saying:
- “Lately I’ve been feeling overwhelmed.”
- “Do you have someone I can talk to about my emotions?”
- “Can you refer me to a psychologist or social worker?”
They’ve heard it before. And they’ll respect you more for speaking up.
Mental Health Apps and Digital Tools for Cancer Patients
Can your phone be part of your support system? Absolutely. Here are a few tools worth exploring:
- Headspace – meditation and mindfulness
- Moodpath – tracks emotional health and offers journaling prompts
- MyLife – personalised mental health check-ins
- TalkLife – peer support for mental health struggles
Apps aren’t a replacement for therapy—but they’re a great place to start.
Barriers to Mental Health Care—and How to Overcome Them
Unfortunately, many patients hit roadblocks when seeking help:
- Cost – Therapy and medication can be expensive.
- Stigma – Especially in certain cultures or communities.
- Access – Not every clinic has a mental health team.
The solution? Ask your oncologist or nurse navigator. Many hospitals offer free counselling services, telehealth appointments, or financial aid programs you might not know about.
And remember: needing help isn’t a weakness. It’s a step toward healing.
Final Thoughts
Colon cancer changes your life. But that doesn’t mean it should break your spirit. Mental health is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline.
Whether it’s talking to a therapist, joining a support group, using a meditation app, or simply asking for help—you deserve to feel seen, heard, and supported. You are more than your diagnosis.
References
- “Cancer and Depression” – American Cancer Society, 2022. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/emotional-side-effects/depression.html
- “How to Find Mental Health Support While Undergoing Cancer Treatment” – National Cancer Institute, 2021. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/feelings/support
- “Mindfulness and Cancer” – Cancer Research UK, 2020. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/mental-health-cancer/mindfulness
- “The Emotional Impact of Cancer” – Macmillan Cancer Support, 2023. https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/emotional-impact
- “Psychosocial Care for People With Cancer” – ASCO, 2021. https://www.cancer.net/survivorship/long-term-side-effects-cancer-treatment/psychosocial-care-people-cancer