Physical and mental health share a common denominator: self-care.

January is a month when cervical cancer prevention is a major topic of discussion. It is a good time to highlight not only the importance of preventive screenings but also the fact that cancer affects a person on many levels. A diagnosis can bring anxiety, uncertainty, and changes to daily life, while also impacting relationships, body image, and future plans.
Therefore, caring for one’s health during illness goes beyond medical treatment. How the patient copes with emotions and the type of support they need are equally important.

Psycho-oncology: When psychological support is needed

Psycho-oncology addresses the psychological and social aspects of cancer. Support can be provided to both patients and their loved ones.
Receiving a diagnosis can trigger a wide range of reactions. These may include anxiety about health and the future, anger, sadness, a sense of helplessness, or difficulty adjusting to the new situation. In the case of gynecological cancers, questions and concerns regarding intimacy, relationships, sexuality, fertility, or motherhood may also arise.
There is no single "right" way to react to a diagnosis. One person may need to talk extensively, while another prefers to gather information first and spend time alone. Someone might feel primarily anxious, whereas another person might feel angry or motivated to take action. Reactions can also shift as the illness and treatment progress.

Emotions can fluctuate

A cancer diagnosis is an experience often fraught with uncertainty. Emotions may come in waves and shift depending on the situation—for instance, before a medical test, after receiving results, or during treatment.
You might experience:

• anxiety and a sense of threat,
• anger or frustration,
• sadness and helplessness,
• worry about the future,
• shame or body-image issues,
• a desire to withdraw or, conversely, a greater need for contact with others,
• hope and the feeling that you can handle the next step.

Experiencing difficult emotions does not mean you are "coping poorly" with the illness. Nor is there any obligation to remain strong, maintain a positive attitude, or "fight" at all times.

What might help?

Talking to a specialist. A psychologist or psycho-oncologist can help you make sense of the post-diagnosis period, manage anxiety or feelings of helplessness, and find coping strategies suited to your current situation.
Talking to loved ones. It is not always easy to tell family or a partner what you need. Sometimes, however, simply stating your needs directly is enough—for example: "I need you to just be with me" or "I want to talk about this, but I don't need advice right now."
Connecting with others in a similar situation. Support groups and contact with other people facing the illness can reduce feelings of isolation. For some, this serves as a valuable source of practical information and shared experiences.
Simple ways to relieve tension. Breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, gentle movement, or mindfulness can help manage tension and stress. However, they may not work for everyone; it is best to choose methods that actually bring you relief.
Reliable information. Understanding the stages of diagnosis and treatment can make it easier to make decisions and prepare for what lies ahead. It is best to rely primarily on information provided by doctors and credible sources, rather than random stories found online.

Prevention is also a form of self-care.

A conversation about cervical cancer cannot overlook prevention. Regular screenings and HPV vaccinations are crucial for preventing the disease and detecting it early.
It is worth following current guidelines on preventive screenings and discussing them with a doctor or midwife. If an examination causes anxiety, embarrassment, or other difficult emotions, you can share this with the medical staff; there is no need to pretend these feelings do not exist.
Prevention should not be just another chore to "check off the list." You can view it differently—as a way of taking care of yourself and your health.

Health is more than just test results.

Cancer can change many things: how you function, your relationships with loved ones, your attitude toward your body, and your vision of the future. That is why, alongside medical treatment, it is important to attend to your psychological and emotional needs.
You do not have to wait until your difficulties become overwhelming before seeking support. You can seek help when you experience intense anxiety, struggle to cope with your emotions, lack the energy for daily tasks, or simply need to talk to someone who understands the specific experience of living with cancer.
Caring for your physical and mental health are not two separate matters; both are part of taking care of yourself.