When cancer abruptly enters one’s life, it turns everything upside down. For a young person, who by nature feels almost immortal, such a blow becomes a real earthquake, shattering their familiar worldview. A clinical psychologist from the Madrid university hospital Vithas Madrid Arturo Soria shares his observations on the overwhelming emotional burden young patients face.
The feeling of invulnerability, the certainty that one can move mountains without any negative consequences, suddenly falls apart. According to the specialist, it is at this moment that young people first realize their own fragility and understand that tragic events can happen to them as well. The world, once a safe place, instantly becomes a source of potential threats, triggering a whole range of emotions.
The greatest fear, of course, is the thought of life’s finitude. For those just beginning their journey, the prospect of never starting a family, never having children, traveling, or fulfilling career ambitions feels especially cruel. Yet everyday fears are just as powerful. The illness abruptly tears them from their usual rhythm: they have to put studies or work on hold for a long time, face difficulties in their intimate lives, worry about impending changes in appearance, and fear the possible loss of fertility in the future.
Even after successful treatment, the shadow of illness may linger for a long time. Worry about a possible recurrence is common, especially intensifying before scheduled check-ups. This uncertainty fuels anxiety. However, as experts note, there are ways to address this, and it is important to do so. Regular screenings, developing healthy habits such as proper nutrition and physical activity, as well as engaging in enjoyable activities, help regain a sense of control and improve emotional well-being.
Addressing social stigma also plays an important role. To break down the wall of misunderstanding, work is needed in two directions. On one hand, it is crucial to provide patients with emotional support, acknowledge their feelings, and help them cope with prejudice from others. On the other hand, society must be educated by providing information that helps people understand how to properly interact when meeting someone affected by cancer.
The range of psychological reactions among young patients is incredibly broad: from fear of the future and anger to anxiety and depression. Most often, the dominant feeling is the fear of not having enough time to achieve one’s dreams and plans, as well as the fear of irreversible physical changes. Treatment inevitably affects appearance, which negatively impacts self-esteem. Others may begin to see the person not as an individual, but solely through the lens of their diagnosis, labeling them as “sick.” This is deeply damaging to self-perception and further worsens an already difficult situation.
In this situation, the right psychological strategies become crucial. Support from loved ones, the ability to value the present moment, and continuing familiar activities adjusted for physical capabilities—all these help prevent isolation. It’s important to seek alternatives for activities that have become inaccessible, to talk about one’s feelings or write them down. Many patients tend to withdraw, but this only prevents them from seeing that life goes on and that it’s possible to adapt to new circumstances.
Having a professional involved at every stage of treatment is essential. The emotions a young person experiences can be numerous, unpredictable, and sometimes entirely new to them. Acknowledging and verbalizing these feelings makes them more manageable. Support from family and friends is invaluable, but the assistance of a qualified psychologist is crucial for properly addressing the trauma. Illness also affects social connections: declining self-esteem and insecurity may lead to self-isolation, which has a negative impact on communication.
Psychological support must be tailored to each patient, but age plays a significant role. The focus of concern differs for younger and older people. While young men and women tend to worry more about their future, infertility, friendships, and finding a partner, older patients are often more concerned with financial instability and the well-being of their families.
