Overview
Some survivors of cancer experience trauma -related symptoms similar to symptoms experienced by people who have survived
highly stressful situations, such as military combat, natural disasters, violent personal attack (such as rape), or other
life-threatening events. This group of symptoms is called post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) and includes avoiding situations related to the trauma, continuously thinking of the trauma, and being overexcited.
People with histories of cancer are considered to be at risk for PTSD. The
physical and mental shock of having a life-threatening disease, of receiving
treatment for cancer, and living with repeated threats to one's body and life
are traumatic experiences for many cancer patients.
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