Surviving Cancer Puts You at Risk for PTSD

Did you know that adult cancer survivors can experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD? These symptoms can persist for many years following a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Many cancer survivors are unaware of their risk for developing PTSD and may not recognize the symptoms. They may feel like they are “going crazy” and that their loved ones don’t understand what they are going through.


PTSD symptoms result from exposure to a traumatic or terrifying event, such as military combat, physical or sexual assault, or a life-threatening illness like cancer. The symptoms present in four clusters: 

• intrusion – nightmares, flashbacks, upsetting memories 

• avoidance – skipping medical appointments, refusing to talk about cancer 

• negative changes in mood and thoughts – guilt, blame, loss of interest in activities

• arousal – difficulty sleeping and concentrating, irritability, hypervigilance





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Surviving Cancer Puts You at Risk for PTSD: