According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, preventive health guidelines advocate routine testing by age range to maintain good health. These tests include childhood immunizations, well child visits, annual physicals for adults, flu shots, cholesterol screening, screening mammograms, prostate exams, colonoscopy and more! Many people get frightened or nervous about going for medical tests or procedures, and waiting for results may create even more stress.
In fact, in a study done by Harvard Medical School in 2009, it was shown that, “uncertainty about the final results of breast biopsy in a study of 150 women aged 18 to 56 provided evidence for substantial biochemical distress that might have adverse effects on immune defense and wound healing. Results indicated the need for more rapid communication of biopsy results.”
What makes anxiety over medical tests worse?
• Hearing that someone you know had a negative experience may cause you to anticipate the worst
• Family history (along the same lines)—thinking that all genes are created equal
• Not knowing what to expect
• Lack of support
• Trust and comfort with the practitioner doing the actual test
In each of these situations, we can proactively debunk the anxiety producer:
• Do not ask everyone you know to describe their experience with the test
• Understand that not everyone in the family has the same genes, or—better yet—get tested if a test is available, like the BRCA gene test for breast cancer
• Ask practitioners in advance to explain the procedure, and obtain reliable health information
• A trusted friend, buddy or significant other can help reduce anxiety; but note that some of these folks make anxiety worse, so choose wisely
• Research your doctor and make sure that he or she is experienced and well-qualified
• Do not surf the Internet unless you are experienced at identifying reliable health information
• Attempt to get results as quickly as possible
Additional Tips
A cancer survivor on beliefnet.com offers the following tips. While these are not the answer for everyone and each tip can be applied to some people but not others, they may be helpful:
• Allow yourself to feel what you need to feel
• Bring a buddy to the test
• Establish rituals like prayer or meditation
• Ask people to pray for you or send you good vibes
• Eat well
• Read what you enjoy
• Take your thoughts lightly
• Breathe, and affirm that all will be OK
Exercise is another excellent support for reducing stress of all kinds. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise increases endorphins. These are biochemicals that induce the relaxation response. Exercise can also calm anxiety, especially if you feel it in your body.
To find an outstanding doctor for preventive health, please contact our Physician Referral Service at 866.804.1007. Experts will assist you in making the best possible choice.
References
Beliefnet.com (2013). Ten tips from a cancer survivor. http://www.beliefnet.com/Wellness/2009/06/10-Ways-to-Prepare-for-Scary-Medical-Tests.aspx?p=12
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2013). Preventive tests guidelines. http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/hwi/resources/preventative_screening.htm
Lang EV, Berbaum KS, Lutgendorf SK. (2009). Large-core breast biopsy: abnormal salivary cortisol profiles associated with uncertainty of diagnosis. Radiology, 250 (3), 631 – 637. doi: 10.1148/radiol.2503081087
MayoClinic (2013). Exercise and Stress Reduction. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise-and-stress/SR00036