Hello doctors, for the longest time, I've had health anxiety- like around 2-3 years. It's particularly bad about cancer as I always fear having it. My fear of cancer was formed when my friend's grandfather died of cancer and one of my favorite YouTubers died of cancer as well. Im especially scared of breast cancer and it's so bad that I cant even wash my chest without feeling scared of touching a lump. I did consult a doctor for a physical check up this year and she said I have no lumps and Im all clear, but the fear still persists. Googling symptoms makes it worse. Please advise what to do
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Hi
What you’re describing fits very closely with health anxiety, not a physical illness. Your fear didn’t start randomly it was conditioned by repeated exposure to cancer-related losses (your friend’s grandfather, a YouTuber you admired). Your brain learned to associate cancer = sudden danger, and now it stays on constant alert, scanning your body for threat. The fear around touching your chest, repeated reassurance-seeking, and Googling symptoms are all anxiety-driven safety behaviors. Even though a doctor has already ruled out lumps, anxiety keeps asking, “What if they missed something?” this keeps the cycle alive.
The solution is not more medical checks or Googling, because reassurance only gives short-term relief and strengthens the anxiety long-term. What actually helps is therapy focused on health anxiety especially CBT techniques like reducing body-checking, stopping symptom-searching, learning to tolerate uncertainty, and gradually retraining your brain to stop treating normal sensations as danger signals. With the right approach, this fear is very manageable and reversible.
Take therapy. You can connect with me on nine two six six seven two six zero six five.
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You have mentioned the symptoms suggestive of anxiety disorders
You must plan a consultation with a psychiatrist with all medical reports
You will be alright, medications plus relaxation exercises must be advised
Do not worry it's a common anxiety disorder, you will be relieved
Hello Mrs . Depending on the situation and symptoms you are experiencing, in Medical terms it may well be known as Illness anxiety Disorder- Excess fear or worry of getting serious illness . It is treatable by proper treatment and therapy sessions . As soon as possible Consult a Psychiatrist.
Next Steps
Consult a psychiatrist as soon as possible whether it may be online or offline
Health Tips
Try doing relaxation techniques and distraction methods
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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