Managing endometrial cancer can be very stressful. Taking steps to support your emotional and mental health is important for improving your quality of life with this condition.
An endometrial cancer diagnosis and treatment may affect your emotional well-being and mental health, as well as your physical health.
It’s not unusual for people with this condition to experience challenging emotions, such as fear, grief, or anger.
Some people develop symptoms of mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Read on to learn more about the emotional and mental health challenges of living with endometrial cancer, as well as strategies and resources to manage those challenges.
You might worry about how an endometrial cancer diagnosis or treatment will affect your health, quality of life, or plans for your future.
You might find it challenging to cope with cancer symptoms, your testing or treatment requirements, or changes to your body or usual activities.
These challenges may increase your risk of mental health symptoms.
A 2023 study in Utah found that people with endometrial cancer had an increased risk of a mental health diagnosis in the 18 months after getting their cancer diagnosis. This risk was higher in people with advanced cancer.
Some people may develop mental health challenges that appear later on or last longer.
A 2019 study in Australia found that roughly 15.5% of women with early stage endometrial cancer reported anxiety, and 1.8% reported depression around the time they got their cancer diagnosis and treatment. Anxiety was most common before surgery.
Although anyone with endometrial cancer can have mental health challenges, the risk appears to be higher in people with advanced cancer that has spread beyond the uterus.
Let your doctor know if you:
- are often feeling stressed, afraid, worried, sad, irritable, or angry
- are feeling emotionally disconnected or numb
- are having difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
- have lost interest in things you usually enjoy
- have been avoiding loved ones or social activities
- have developed changes in your appetite or sleep habits
- have been drinking alcohol or using other substances to cope with challenges
- have been thinking about hurting yourself or others
These might be signs of a mental health challenge that needs treatment or support.
Your doctor may recommend mental health treatments, support services, or changes to your lifestyle habits to help manage these challenges.
If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or someone else, contact emergency medical services or call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Read on to find strategies for managing the emotional and health challenges you might experience with endometrial cancer.
Ask your doctor about mental health treatment
Let your doctor know if you’re experiencing mental health challenges or finding it difficult to manage overwhelming thoughts or feelings about your cancer diagnosis or treatment.
They might recommend medication, mental health counseling, or a combination of both.
You might find one or more of the following types of mental health counseling helpful.
- One-on-one or group counseling can help you manage overwhelming thoughts or feelings or other challenges related to your cancer diagnosis or treatment.
- Couples or family counseling may be helpful if you have concerns about how your cancer diagnosis or treatment may affect your spouse or partner, family members, or family dynamics.
- Sex therapy can help if you have concerns about how your cancer diagnosis or treatment may affect your sex life or intimate relationships.
Consider asking your cancer care team for a referral to a licensed mental health counselor who has experience supporting people with cancer.
You can also search online for a mental health counselor using directories such as:
Different counselors use different techniques to help people cope with mental health and relationship challenges. You might need to try more than one mental health counselor to find the right fit.
Reach out for social support
You might find it helpful to join a support group for people with endometrial cancer, such as:
Your cancer care team can help you learn about other online support groups or local support services in your area.
Talking with trusted friends or family members may also help you manage difficult thoughts, feelings, or experiences. Spending quality time together doing activities you enjoy might boost your mood and increase your feelings of support.
Practice mindfulness
Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and other mindfulness-based activities may help reduce stress and anxiety in people with cancer, according to a 2019 review.
Your cancer care team may be able to refer you to a mindfulness program or expert who can help you learn mindfulness-based activities and other relaxation techniques.
You can also find mindfulness tips and resources by visiting organizations such as the
Build healthy habits
Practicing healthy lifestyle habits may help support your mental and physical health.
For example, try to:
- get at least 7 hours of sleep at night
- get regular physical activity
- eat a nutrient-rich diet
- avoid tobacco products
- limit or avoid alcohol
- spend quality time with loved ones
- make time for activities you enjoy
A 2024 study found that endometrial cancer survivors reported less anxiety and depression when they were physically active, followed a consistent sleep schedule, and got high quality sleep. They also had less fatigue and pain.
You might find that cancer symptoms or treatment side effects make it harder to sleep, stay active, or eat a nutrient-rich diet.
Let your doctor know if you’re finding it challenging to practice healthy habits while managing cancer. They may recommend treatments or strategies to help.
Your doctor may also refer you to another specialist, such as a physical therapist or registered dietitian who has experience supporting people with cancer.
Managing an endometrial cancer diagnosis and treatment can be stressful. You might experience overwhelming thoughts or feelings or other emotional or mental health challenges.
Let your doctor know if you’re finding it difficult to cope with the emotional or mental health challenges of your cancer diagnosis or treatment.
Your doctor may refer you to a mental health specialist, cancer support group, or other resources. They might prescribe mental health medication.
Reaching out to loved ones for support, practicing mindfulness-based activities, and following healthy lifestyle habits may also support your well-being.