Feeling anxious about an upcoming cancer screening? Here’s what you can do.

Have you heard of “scanxiety?” Even if you aren’t familiar with the term, you may have experienced it, as many people do. “Scanxiety” is the distress and/or anxiety you may feel before, during or after cancer-related imaging or scans. According to the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s 2025年早期発見調査, 73% of U.S. adults worry when thinking about routine cancer screenings.

May is Mental Health Month, and we’ve rounded up some of our favorite tips to make your next routine cancer screening as stress-free as possible:

Talk to your health care provider—and request a walkthrough of the screening.

One of the best ways to alleviate anxiety is to have an open conversation with your health care provider before the screening. Discuss your concerns and ask any questions you may have about the procedure. Don’t hesitate to ask them to walk you through the procedure step by step. Understanding what to expect can demystify the process, reduce fear and give you a sense of control of the situation.

Stick to your routine.

Maintaining your regular routine can provide a sense of normalcy and stability. Try to keep your daily activities as consistent as possible leading up to the screening and when awaiting your results.

Ask a friend to go with you.

Having a supportive friend or family member come with you to the screening can provide emotional comfort and distraction. Even if they’re just hanging out in the waiting room, their presence can help you feel more relaxed and less isolated during the process. That’s what friends are for!

Use relaxation techniques.

Simple relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises can calm your nerves. Practice these techniques before and during your appointment to ease anxiety.

Set time limits on worries.

Allocate specific times during the day to focus on your worries. This can prevent anxiety from taking over your thoughts nonstop. Writing down your fears and addressing them during these designated times can be helpful.

Stay in the present moment.

Scanxiety often stems from worrying about future outcomes. Focus on the present moment and engage in activities that keep your mind occupied, such as cooking, talking with a friend or walking your dog.

Learn how you react.

Everyone responds to their worries differently. Recognize your personal signs of distress and take steps to manage them. Whether it’s an upset stomach or feeling irritable, knowing your most likely reactions can help you address them effectively.

Treat yourself afterward.

Plan something enjoyable to do after your screening. Whether it’s eating your favorite meal, catching a movie or enjoying some sweets, treating yourself can make the experience less daunting and give you something positive to look forward to.

Remember your motivation.

Remember why you are getting screened. Getting screened for cancer (even when you feel fine!) can lead to better outcomes for your health—that means more treatment options, more healthy days ahead, and more time with the people you love.

If you are a cancer survivor or have received a cancer diagnosis in the past, scanxiety can be even more intense.

The fear of recurrence and the memories of past diagnoses can amplify the distress associated with screenings and scans. Here are some additional tips to help you through:

• Communicate openly: Maintain open and honest communication with your health care team about your fears and concerns. If you’re feeling nervous, let them know! Sharing your thoughts and feelings can help them create an environment that feels safe and comfortable.

• Find the right support system: Lean on your family, friends and other cancer survivors who understand what you’re going through. Support groups can provide a sense of community and shared experience.
• Visualize positive outcomes: Worrying about an upcoming screening is understandable. Instead of thinking about worst-case scenarios, try to visualize receiving good news and think about how the action you’re taking is supporting your health in the long run.

Dealing with scanxiety is about finding ways to manage stress so you can keep your appointments and stay on top of your health. Most screenings don’t take more than a couple of minutes and will be over before you know it.

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And while you wait for your results, just remember that routine screenings give you the opportunity to catch cancer early, in its most treatable stages. By incorporating these tips, you can make your routine cancer screenings a more manageable and less overwhelming experience.