The Many Sides of Fear

Life on Pause

Everyone has fears that develop and change throughout their life. However, significant health events like a cancer diagnosis can simultaneously alter many aspects of life as they reveal a new set of potential outcomes - and concerns. So how do young people impacted by cancer cope with the fears brought on by their diagnosis?

Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. In this episode, our speakers explore the fears experienced by young adults with cancer. Together, they cover how their fears have transformed due to their cancer and reflect on the differences in their concerns before, during, and after treatment. Listen as these young adults open up about the feelings of struggle and triumph brought on by their health journeys and the emotional experience of living with cancer.

How Do We Rationalize Our Fears? (00:30)

This episode begins with host Corrine discussing fear and its purpose as a defense mechanism to protect us from danger. Our speakers share how they rationalize their fears as young adults with cancer. Listen as speakers introduce themselves and share their personal stories regarding the concern they have experienced throughout their diagnosis.

Fears Then and Now (4:15)

The time before and after experiencing a cancer diagnosis can feel like two separate lives, as cancer changes people's lives to reveal new circumstances, anxieties, and fears. Corrine and the guest speakers discuss their most significant concerns before their diagnoses and what they think about these fears as they look back on them today.

Facing Fears After Diagnosis (11:13)

A cancer diagnosis can conjure fears of the unknown as new patients consider the long and risky health journeys ahead. Our podcast speakers discuss the thoughts that came to mind when they first received their cancer diagnosis and how they coped with the fears surrounding this significant life event.

Fears Moving Forward (21:08)

After discussing the fears that our speakers experienced before and during their cancer diagnosis, they now look toward the future. Corrine and the speakers discuss what they fear now moving forward, including future failure, how cancer has impacted their lives, cancer relapses, and other concerns.

Courage Through Cancer (36:35)

Susan David said, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but fear walking.” To be able to progress, people must be brave and continue moving forward regardless of their fears. Our podcast guests discuss how their fear has given them courage and how they persist through their fears to continue living their lives one day at a time.