Scanxiety

What to expect

When you live with secondary breast cancer, you might experience anxiety around scans, or 'scanxiety'. In this session, we'll show you different methods of coping with and managing anxiety around scans. We'll also share advice on how to manage life between scans.

Our speaker, Paula, will demonstrate a relaxation technique around applying hand cream mindfully. For this part of the session, please bring your own hand cream so you can take part.

Paula Fawcett is a senior counsellor dedicated to supporting staff within the NHS at a mental health hospital.

For the past 11 years, Paula has facilitated support groups for people living with secondary breast cancer at Breast Cancer Now. They were also diagnosed with primary breast cancer in 2023. She has her own personal experience of how challenging a diagnosis is psychologically and physically.

Paula is passionate about empowering people to lead fulfilling lives, despite difficult challenges. They focus on building a compassionate relationship with yourself and enhancing awareness of how thoughts, feeling and behaviour patterns can hinder personal growth. With this new awareness and insight, we can explore alternative coping strategies together.