On this page, we provide information about how to cope emotionally with sarcoma. Whether it’s isolation or anxiety about test results, we have support available to you.
We’ve listened to people with sarcoma and have put this information together based on real experiences.
We also know that financial stress can cause anxiety and worry. We have information that can help you understand what financial support you can get.
Scanxiety and fear of recurrence
Scan anxiety, or ‘scanxiety’ is a phrase used to describe the fear or worry of having scans and waiting for scan results. This can be common during follow-up care for sarcoma, or even while waiting for a diagnosis.
It is common to worry about sarcoma coming back. It can sometimes take weeks to get your results back, and we know that this can be a stressful time. It might help you to practise coping techniques while waiting for results.
It might also be helpful to remember that, during this time, your multidisciplinary team (MDT) needs to gather the results from your scans and tests before they can agree on the right treatment plan for you.
Talk to friends and family
Talking about your fears and worries can help. You should speak to people you are most comfortable with. People often talk about sharing as ‘getting a weight off their chest’, or feeling a sense of relief. If you keep worries to yourself, they might feel harder to manage.
If you are spiritual or religious, you may find it useful or comforting to speak with your faith leader.
Try distracting yourself
This could be a good time to start a new hobby. Sometimes actively distracting yourself can help to relieve the stress.
The charity Mind has advice to help you distract yourself from worries.
Talk to your healthcare team
Talk to your healthcare team about your worries. They can help by setting expectations about waiting times, so that you feel more in control.
They may be able to help you access talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). They might also advise you on medicine to help with your anxiety.
Talk to your healthcare team if you feel claustrophobic during scans like MRIs. They might be able to make you more comfortable, for example by providing an eye mask.
Try mindfulness techniques
Research says that mindfulness can help with anxiety. Mindfulness is all about keeping our mind in the present (rather than the past or future). Mindfulness could include things like breathing techniques, meditation, or other activities, like yoga. The NHS has more information about mindfulness and techniques you could try.
The charity Mind has useful advice on managing stress and building resilience.
The runaway train…
“This is a technique you might come across in CBT. Our thoughts and actions start with a single thought, and when we’re stressed or anxious, these thoughts can start to spiral and run away from you. You might start worrying too much and make plans for the worst-case scenario, and suddenly, you’re on board the runaway train.
It can be useful to know you can get off this train. First, try to recognise the truth in the situation, for example, you might not know the answer, so try not to make it up. Next, try to distract yourself by concentrating on an easy task, like arranging a drawer or solving a jigsaw puzzle.”
Jo Gronow, Support Line Sarcoma Clinical Nurse Specialist
Someone I know who’s a couple of years ahead in cancer recovery recommended having something nice planned with the family to take your mind off scan results. It doesn’t remove the worry, but keeps my mind a bit more occupied on other things.
Sarah, who was diagnosed with uterine sarcoma
Depression and sarcoma
People with sarcoma talk to us about low mood and feeling sad. These feelings are common after a cancer diagnosis. However, when this begins to remove joy from things you used to love, or stops you from wanting to do things altogether, it might be time to reach out for support.
You might not necessarily know you’re depressed. Some of the signs and symptoms to be aware of are:
- feeling low
- crying more often
- feeling hopeless
- losing interest in activities
- feeling irritable.
There is help available for depression. Talk to your GP, nurse specialist, or key worker about a referral to talking therapies. You could also ask about medicines like antidepressants, which can help.
The other thing I do is not to fight the sadness. I live alongside it. I accept it’s there. And that means sometimes I need to let it through. When I feel overwhelmed, and there’s no telling when that will happen, I take myself off to a quiet place, put some music on my headphones, usually loud, and let it happen. There’s nothing wrong with a good cry.
Mike, who was diagnosed with myxoid liposarcoma
Loneliness and sarcoma
For some people, sarcoma can feel like a lonely cancer. We often hear from people affected by sarcoma that they had never heard of it before, and that nobody they know has heard of it either. Many have never heard of sarcoma and may not realise it’s a type of cancer.
It might feel isolating because there are fewer people to connect with and talk about sarcoma with, due to how rare it is compared to other cancers.
You are not alone. There are ways to connect with people that can help you feel less isolated.
- Call the Sarcoma UK Support Line. We’re here for everyone affected by sarcoma.
- Join a sarcoma Support Group. These are online as well as in person.
- Talk to people on online forums and social media groups. Macmillan has sarcoma forums you can join and talk to other people with sarcoma.
- Talk to your friends and family. Even a text or phone call can make you feel less lonely.
Some people find it upsetting to engage with sarcoma-specific groups or support. If you do not want to talk about sarcoma, and just want to connect with other people, you could:
- join local activity groups, like walking clubs
- talk to your neighbours
- reach out to loneliness charities for help and advice.
Mentally preparing for treatment
Preparing yourself for treatment is called prehabilitation. Looking after your mental wellbeing can be an important part of preparing for treatment.
Before treatment starts, you might be feeling worried, upset, or uncertain. Lots of people feel this way. When you attend appointments, if you feel worried, you can talk to your healthcare professional about how you’re feeling.
Focusing on your mental health before treatment can help you to get through difficult times.
- Keep a diary or journal. Writing down how you feel each day can be a helpful way to process your feelings. It can also be helpful to understand your habits and anything that triggers certain worries.
- Exercise to help your mind and body. Exercise can improve mental wellbeing for many people. Even light exercise like walking can help improve stress and sleep.
- Set goals to help you stay focused. Setting small, achievable daily goals can help you to focus on the present, rather than worrying about the future.
- Talk to your healthcare professional. They might be able to refer you for support to help with your mental health ahead of and during treatment.
Cancer Research UK has more information about mentally preparing for cancer treatment.
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Last reviewed October 2026 | Next review due October 2029
All references are available upon request. Please email info@sarcoma.org.uk
