More Americans survive cancer. But the psychological impacts can persist for years
More Americans Survive Cancer. But the Psychological Impacts Can Persist for Years
More Americans survive cancer But the psychological - While cancer survival rates have surged in recent decades, the emotional toll of diagnosis and treatment often lingers long after the body has healed. For many survivors, the battle is not just physical—it’s a continuous struggle with anxiety, depression, and the weight of unspoken guilt. Morgan Newman, a 24-year-old dental assistant from Des Moines, Iowa, experienced this firsthand in 2015 when her life was upended by a cervical cancer diagnosis.
A Personal Journey
Newman’s story began with a routine Pap smear that revealed something unexpected. After the test, her doctor scheduled a follow-up to investigate further, but she wasn’t initially alarmed. “I didn’t think much of it,” she recalled, “because all my friends had similar results and were fine.” That changed when the exam led to severe bleeding, forcing her to halt treatment and refer her to a gynecologic oncologist.
"I didn’t think anything of it, because, you know, all my friends have had some sort of [abnormal result] like that, and they turned out to be okay," she said.
What followed was a grueling six-week regimen of radiation and chemotherapy. Scans initially showed improvement, but three months later, doctors discovered suspicious nodules in her lungs. The additional chemotherapy brought more intense side effects, deepening her sense of isolation. “I was watching my friends get married, have babies, and advance in their careers,” she shared. “I just felt stuck.”
Despite prior therapy for anxiety and depression, Newman struggled to maintain her mental health during treatment. Medical bills and a demanding schedule—juggling college courses, a full-time job, and regular doctor’s visits—made therapy a luxury she couldn’t afford. “I had to prioritize survival,” she said. “Mental health support felt out of reach.”
Systemic Challenges
By 2017, Newman’s circumstances had shifted. With a new job offering better health benefits, she decided to return to therapy. Yet, the fear of recurrence remained. “I worried that every ache or fatigue could signal the cancer was back,” she explained. This anxiety was compounded by the physical aftermath of treatment, which left her unable to conceive, making social gatherings with friends who had children emotionally taxing.
"At times, it was emotionally difficult to spend time with her friends who had kids, because the radiation treatment had damaged her reproductive system, leaving unable to have her own children," she said.
Newman’s journey highlights a broader issue among cancer survivors: the persistent psychological effects that often go unnoticed. According to the National Cancer Institute, over 18 million Americans were cancer survivors in 2025, a number expected to rise to 22 million by 2035. Yet, many of these individuals face unaddressed mental health challenges that can last for years.
Cancer Nation, a patient advocacy group, conducted a survey of survivors who had completed treatment. The findings revealed that nearly a third reported lingering anxiety about cancer returning, while others described feeling disconnected from their former selves. Only 20% of respondents had consulted a mental health professional, underscoring a critical gap in care. “Part of it is that we don’t have enough therapists who specialize in cancer-related issues,” noted Shelley Fuld Nasso, CEO of Cancer Nation. “People need experts who understand the unique emotional and physical impacts of cancer.”
Iowa’s Rising Cancer Rates
In Iowa, the challenge is even more pronounced. The state ranks second nationally in new cancer diagnoses, according to the Iowa Cancer Registry. While researchers are still exploring reasons for this trend, the issue extends beyond numbers. Many rural counties with high cancer rates lack sufficient mental health resources, creating barriers for survivors seeking support.
Newman’s experience mirrors that of countless others in the state. After struggling to find a therapist who understood her situation, she eventually connected with Julie Larson, a Des Moines-based specialist who works with cancer patients. “I needed something more specific to what I was going through,” she said. Larson’s practice reflects the growing demand for targeted mental health care, as survivors navigate fears of recurrence and the long-term effects of treatment.
The Road to Recovery
Today, nearly a decade after her diagnosis, Newman is cancer-free and has become a vocal advocate for prevention. She now serves as the Iowa grassroots manager for the American Cancer Society’s lobbying division, collaborating with other organizations to improve survivor support systems. However, her commitment to therapy remains a cornerstone of her recovery.
“The fear of the unknown really takes over and can physically impact your body, as well as your mind, of what if the cancer is back,” she reflected. This insight resonates with survivors nationwide, as studies indicate that anxiety and depression are more common among those who have battled cancer. The emotional burden, often overlooked in the focus on physical recovery, can be just as debilitating.
Despite progress in medical treatment, the mental health landscape for cancer survivors remains fragmented. Many patients, like Newman, face a dual challenge: managing the physical consequences of their illness while grappling with the psychological fallout. Without accessible, specialized care, these struggles can persist for years, affecting quality of life and long-term well-being.
As Iowa continues to see rising cancer rates, the need for integrated mental health services becomes increasingly urgent. Newman’s story serves as a reminder that survival is just the beginning. The journey toward full recovery involves not only battling the disease but also addressing the emotional scars it leaves behind. For survivors like her, therapy is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline.