How to ease worry when waiting for medical test results

Worried about your medical test results?

That sinking feeling of anxiety is something many of us have experienced when waiting for medical test results.

Whether you are worried about blood test results, cervical screening results, or another type of examination, it is out of your hands - but that doesn't always stop you worrying, or imagining that the test result is going to be bad news.

It's normal to feel anxious

Firstly, it's important to recognise that it's normal to feel anxious before test results are revealed.

"Depending on the nature of the tests and the implications of positive results, the results can be potentially life-changing," says Dr Ian Nnatu, consultant psychiatrist at Nightingale Hospital, London.

However, your level of struggle with waiting for the results can also depend on your personality.

"Naturally, some people tend to worry more than others depending on their outlook and coping abilities," says Nnatu. "Do you see the glass as half full or half empty? There is a spectrum of how people respond to such uncertainty about their health, ranging from normal self-limiting worry to excessive, all-consuming worry which affects sleep, daily life and functioning."

Dany Bell, strategic advisor for treatment, medicines and genomics at Macmillan Cancer Support, adds: "Waiting for test results can be a worrying time. Sometimes people will have a test and get results on the same day. For other tests, they may have to wait to hear from their doctor. Either way, the not knowing - or thinking the worst - can understandably cause increased levels of anxiety."

Waiting for results with an anxiety disorder

If you already struggle with an anxiety disorder, waiting for the results of a screening or test can be particularly difficult.

"I struggle with anxiety anyway and I always feel worried when I'm waiting to find out the results from a medical screening like cervical screening," says Jo*, 29. "I know deep down that I'll be OK and that I can address issues if they do come up - and I also know that going for screenings is a positive thing - but I always convince myself something really bad is going to happen.

"Even when I booked a GP appointment to get a mole checked out, I managed to convince myself that I definitely had skin cancer. I find my health anxiety gets worse as I get older, and it doesn't help that I read about horrible things happening to other people, on the news or on TV adverts."

Why do we assume the worst?

Waiting for results can be a stressful time and you may find yourself mentally preparing for bad news, even if you know - deep down - that this is unlikely to happen. So why do we do this?

According to Nnatu, our tendency to assume the worst can depend on several factors:

• The type of investigation or test that has been performed.

• Our attitude to uncertainty and being out of control.

• What we read and watch on the news, online and on social media.

• Friends who are struggling with their own health problems.

"It is common for people to search the internet and forums, looking for answers. While this has its place in terms of emotional support, it can make matters worse - especially if you frequently read unmoderated sites," Nnatu adds.

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What to do if you're worried about test results

Everyone gets anxious from time to time - particularly if we're concerned about our health and wellbeing. However, there are steps you can take to help ease the worry.

See it as problem-solving

If you're concerned about going for a medical screening and waiting for the results, try to see the process in a pragmatic way. If there is an issue, testing is the first step to addressing it.

"Think of it as a win-win situation and adopt a problem-solving approach to counter the tendency to worry," Nnatu says. "For example, if you're worried about blood test results, and the results aren't what you'd hoped, would you not prefer to know as soon as possible so you can take positive action? Of course, if the results are what you'd hoped, then that will be a huge relief."

Ask professionals for advice

"Seek as much information as you can from your doctor or specialist before the tests," Nnatu suggests. "Avoid searching the internet unless these are recommended sites."

If you are unsure about what a cervical screening test entails, for example, you can always ask your doctor or find information and support from charities such as Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust. Booking in for cervical screening with all the right information and facts can help put your mind at ease.

Organisations such as Anxiety UK and Mind offer advice and support for mental health issues such as anxiety too. If you find anxiety affects your life in lots of ways, your doctor will be able to advise the best course of action for you.

"If it feels like you're struggling to manage, your doctor, nurse or counsellor can help you find ways to cope," Bell says.

"You don't have to deal with the feelings of anxiety on your own. Macmillan Cancer Support is right there with you and anyone in need of guidance or information can call our free dedicated support line, 0800 808 00 00 and speak to a nurse between 8 am-8 pm, seven days a week, or open up to our experts and other people affected by cancer on our online community."

Speak with friends and family

If you are anxious, keeping feelings to yourself can make you feel much worse. Talking to trusted friends and family members can help you get things off your chest.

"Feelings of anxiety are natural and may not go away completely. But there are some things you can do to help you cope with these emotions while you wait for your test results," Bell adds. "You may find it helpful to talk with your partner, your family or a close friend, or to write down your fears and worries."

Stick to your routine and keep busy

Making sure you stick to your usual day-to-day routine can help too - as can keeping busy. You're more likely to dwell on the results of your medical test if you are sitting at home alone. Organise fun, relaxing activities with friends - like going out for walks, dinner or to the cinema.

Exercise and eat well

When you’re feeling stressed, anxious or worried, it's easy to slip into a routine of eating junk food and sitting on the sofa, instead of getting exercise.

Although it can be hard to feel motivated, research has shown exercise is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. One study found that regular physical activity lasting 45 minutes, three to five times a week can improve our mental health¹.

Team sports, cycling and aerobics had the greatest positive impact, so you could try joining a gym class or local exercise group where you can socialise too.

"You can also help relieve anxiety by taking care of yourself," Bell advises. "This could include eating well, being active - if you can - or doing things you enjoy to take your mind off things."

Mindfulness

Paying more attention to the present moment - to the way you feel, your thoughts and to the world around you - can improve your mental wellbeing and help relieve worries. When we're more aware of what's going on around us and inside us, it also helps us notice signs of stress and anxiety in order to deal with them better.

"Practising breathing exercises when your anxiety levels rise can also help to calm you, as can complementary therapies such as yoga and meditation," Bell says.

Many of us tend to breathe faster when we’re anxious, which can make us feel sick and dizzy. This can make us more anxious. Slowing down your breathing can ease unpleasant symptoms and keep you calm. Find a comfortable place to sit and try deep breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. You can try counting slowly from one to five too.

You could also try relaxation exercises, such as tensing your muscles one by one.

Further reading

1. Chekroud et al: Association between physical exercise and mental health in 1·2 million individuals in the USA between 2011 and 2015: a cross-sectional study

*Names have been changed to protect identities.