Everybody gets anxious—sometimes over the smallest things, like choosing an outfit for a dinner date or dealing with a minor misunderstanding. But anxiety reaches an entirely different level when it revolves around health concerns, especially when waiting for a medical diagnosis.

When fatigue had crept in weeks ago for Daisy, a dull weight pressing against her limbs. At first, she tried to dismiss it as stress and the work she was putting in for her new business, but then came the night sweats, the persistent cough, the bruises appearing without reason. Although she feared something was wrong she hesitated to get it checked. Yet, the fear of made her call her GP and get a appointment scheduled. And as she waited for the results, her mind continued running from what if it was serious? to what if it changed everything?

The thought tightened around her chest than the sickness itself. It can feel like minutes are hours, days stretch to eternity, and uncertainty is overwhelming. This is a state of heightened distress—commonly referred to as 'scanxiety.' It is all too real for many people who are going in for medical testing, especially with potentially serious diagnoses such as cancer. Knowing what scanxiety is, how it affects the body and mind, and learning good coping mechanisms helps ease the emotional toll it takes.

What is Scanxiety?

Scanxiety is a term used to describe the high level of anxiety and fear a person feels when waiting for the results of a medical test or a diagnosis. It is common in cancer patients, who may undergo multiple scans over time. Nonetheless, any individual who faces uncertainty about his or her health will experience scanxiety.

Unlike general anxiety, which is provoked by everyday stressors and often subsides after a situation has been resolved, scanxiety lingers, builds, and frequently recurs with every medical test. The fear isn't just of the tests themselves but of what the results could mean for the future.

Symptoms of Scanxiety

Scanxiety appears in both physical and emotional symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath and palpitations
• Perspiration and body aches
• Dizziness
• Nausea and loss of appetite
• Somnia and temper
• Intensified fear and panic

Others have scanxiety become so disabling that it reaches chronic stress impacting the daily way of life. Chronic stress from the National Cancer Institute may not cause cancer itself but can heighten the way cancer progresses on the diagnosed victim.

What is the Difference Between Scanxiety and Anxiety?

Where general anxiety arises due to a wide array of life situations, including work stress, financial worries, or interpersonal issues, scanxiety only comes by way of medical concerns and intensifies with the weight of possibly life-changing news.

The scan experience is a different kind of distress: it's the experience of lying on an MRI machine or awaiting a call from a doctor. This is often a higher stakes situation, and nothing else, at the moment, can claim the center stage of one's attention. In fact, one hears that many people who have had repeated scanning over the years report an increase in anxiety despite familiarity with the process.

How Diagnosis Builds Resilience and Coping Skills

While anxiety can be a natural response to uncertainty, resilience can be built to manage scanxiety very effectively. Studies suggest that resiliency-the ability to adapt and recover from stress-improves mental well-being and overall quality of life.

A 2017 study in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation showed that people with greater resilience had better mental health even when faced with physical challenges. Another study, published in Arthritis Care & Research (2019), showed that patients with chronic conditions develop resilience through coping strategies like social support, adaptability, and mindfulness.

Resilience is not innate; it's like a muscle that can be developed over time. The first step to cope with scanxiety is the recognition of the emotion without judgment. Accepting the fact that fear is normal lets people move toward constructive coping mechanisms.

Ways to Cope With Scanxiety

1. Reframe Negative Thoughts

Our internal dialogue plays a significant role in how we view uncertainty. Do not assume the worst; instead, consciously battle negative thoughts. Remind yourself that uncertainty does not equal catastrophe.

Use affirmations such as:

• "I am strong and capable of handling whatever comes my way."
• "I will take this one step at a time."
• "I am doing everything within my control to care for my health."

2. Engage in a 'Flow State' Activity

Distraction is a powerful tool against scanxiety. Finding an activity that fully engages your attention can help shift your focus away from waiting. Whether it’s painting, cooking, solving puzzles, or exercising, immersing yourself in a task can provide mental relief.

A simple test: Ask yourself, "What is an activity that makes me lose track of time?" Then do it for at least 15 minutes. The goal is to keep the mind occupied and reduce overthinking.

3. Avoid 'Doomscrolling' and Worst-Case Scenarios

The internet is a double-edged sword—while it provides information, it also amplifies fear. Avoid searching for symptoms or reading worst-case survival statistics. These can increase panic rather than provide clarity.

Limit your online health searches and refocus your attention on other credible sources when needed.

4. 'Worry Time'

If intruding thoughts become all-consuming, then schedule a time (such as 10 minutes in the evening) to dwell on and work through them. Writing down worries in a journal and going back to them later can help anxiety not hijack your entire day.

5. Relaxation Techniques

There are ways to help ease scanxiety including deep breathing, guided meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation. Some useful ones include:

• Box Breathing: Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, breathe out for 4 seconds, hold for 4
• Visualizing: Imagine yourself in a peaceful scene, such as a beach or a forest
• Mindfulness Meditation: Focus on the present moment, not future worries

6. Communication with your medical team

Ask your doctor how long it will take to receive results and request a preferred method of communication (phone call, email, or in-person discussion). If waiting is particularly stressful, express your concerns and see if an expedited process is possible.

7. Lean on a Support System

Talking to friends, family, or support groups can be comforting. Sometimes, voicing fears out loud can take away some of the power. If needed, professional counseling can help navigate scanxiety in a structured way.

Scanxiety is a deeply personal and overwhelming experience, but it is manageable. Acknowledging the fear, practicing resilience-building techniques, and adopting practical coping strategies, people can navigate the waiting period with a greater sense of calm and control.

In a recent post, Dr Sudhir Kumar busted 10 common misconceptions people have about health. Health misconceptions occur very often, while you may not realize it; we also perpetuate these myths very often.

To help people avoid these, Dr Sudhir Kumar, a Hyderabad-based Neurologist, listed misconceptions about common diseases. The reason why it is important to know what to believe and what not to, is because these myths can lead people to ignore obvious health signs, like signs of heart attacks, because they believe they are unlikely to get one themselves.

10 Health Myths You Should Not Believe

Here are 10 common health misconceptions you should know about, according to Dr Sudhir Kumar.

Myth: Stroke Only Happens to the Elderly.

Fact: Stroke Can Happen at Any Age. Many people think strokes are just an old-age problem, but this is false. Strokes can strike young adults, even in their 30s or 40s. Having high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking greatly increases the risk, regardless of your age. Staying healthy is crucial for everyone.

Myth: Heart Attacks Always Cause Severe Chest Pain.

Fact: Heart Attacks Can Be Silent or Mild. It’s a common belief that a heart attack is always a sudden, crushing pain. However, many heart attacks are mild or "silent," causing only slight discomfort or unusual fatigue. This is especially common in women and people with diabetes, making it easy to overlook.

Myth: Fever Must Always Be Brought Down Quickly.

Fact: Fever is Your Body's Natural Defense. Fever is how your immune system fights off infections. You only need to treat it if the temperature is dangerously high or if you feel very uncomfortable. For mild fevers, let your body do its job; focus on rest and hydration instead.

Myth: Antibiotics Cure Colds and Flu.

Fact: Antibiotics Only Fight Bacteria, Not Viruses. Colds and the flu are caused by viruses, and antibiotics are useless against them. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily will not help and actually makes them less effective against real bacterial infections later on. Only use them when prescribed for bacteria.

Myth: High Blood Pressure Always Causes Symptoms.

Fact: Hypertension is Usually a Silent Condition. High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called the "silent killer" because it rarely causes noticeable symptoms until it's very severe. This is why getting your blood pressure checked regularly is essential. You need routine checks to catch it early before it causes damage.

Myth: Eating Sweets Causes Diabetes.

Fact: Diabetes is Complex, Not Just Caused by Sugar. While eating too much sugar makes Type 2 diabetes worse, the disease is primarily caused by a mix of genetics, not exercising enough, and the body's inability to properly use insulin (insulin resistance). It is a lifestyle disorder, not just a sugar problem.

Myth: Sunscreen is Only Needed on Sunny Days.

Fact: Harmful UV Rays Get Through Clouds Daily. Many people skip sunscreen on cloudy or overcast days, but this is a mistake. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, which damage your skin, can easily penetrate clouds. You need to apply sunscreen every single day for proper protection against skin aging and cancer.

Myth: Cancer Always Runs in Families.

Fact: Lifestyle and Environment Cause Most Cancers. While certain rare cancers are linked to inherited genes, the majority of cancer cases are actually caused by daily habits and environmental factors. Things like smoking, diet, lack of exercise, and sun exposure play a much bigger role in cancer risk for most people.

Myth: Once Symptoms Improve, You Can Stop Taking Medicines.

Fact: Stopping Treatment Early Can Cause Relapse. You must always finish the full course of medicine as directed by your doctor. Stopping treatment too soon—especially antibiotics or blood pressure medication—allows the illness to come back or get worse. Follow the prescription to fully clear the infection or manage the condition.

Myth: Mental Health Problems Mean Weakness.

Fact: Mental Health Issues Are Real Medical Conditions. Conditions like depression or anxiety are genuine medical illnesses, just like diabetes or heart disease. They are not a sign that a person is weak or failing. Seeking help from a professional shows courage and strength, taking an active step toward recovery and well-being.

Your hormonal health plays a huge role in your health, and if you think it is something you need to worry about only when you get older. However, that is not true; you must pay attention to it even if you are in your 20s. Dr Holly Miller, an American Board–certified obstetrician and gynecologists, shared a video explaining why it is important for youngsters to regulate their hormonal health.

Your twenties are a critical time for building the foundation of your long-term health, impacting everything from your fertility and metabolism to your overall well-being. Hormone balance is about more than just your menstrual cycle, it profoundly influences your skin, mood, energy levels, and even your long-term risk for conditions like PCOS or endometriosis.

5 Ways To Maintain Your Hormonal Health

Here are five evidence-based strategies to actively support your hormone health

Prioritize Deep, Consistent Sleep

Sleep is the time when your body performs essential repair and resets your hormonal systems. When you consistently get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep, you stabilize cortisol, your main stress hormone.

High cortisol from lack of sleep throws off the production of reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which can lead to irregular cycles and worsen PMS. Think of a good night's sleep as the number one way to calm your internal chemistry and support the natural rhythm your hormones need to thrive.

Balance Your Blood Sugar

Rapid spikes in blood sugar trigger a rush of the hormone insulin to bring the sugar down. Over time, these frequent spikes lead to insulin resistance, a major driver of hormonal imbalances like PCOS. The key is to slow down sugar absorption.

When you eat carbohydrates like bread or fruit, always pair them with protein like eggs or chicken and healthy fat like avocado or nuts. This simple habit keeps your insulin levels steady and prevents the hormonal chaos caused by rollercoaster blood sugar.

Minimize Endocrine Disruptors

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are hidden in many everyday products, from the lining of food cans (BPA) to synthetic fragrances and certain plastics. These chemicals are problematic because they can mimic or block your natural hormones, especially estrogen.

This interference can confuse your body, leading to heavy periods, unpredictable cycles, or fertility issues. Start simple: switch to using glass water bottles and food storage, choose fragrance-free products, and look for "paraben-free" labels on your skincare and makeup.

Engage in Regular Movement

Movement isn't just for weight loss, it is powerful hormonal medicine. Exercise, especially resistance training (lifting weights or using body weight), makes your cells much more responsive to insulin.

This means your body can process sugar more efficiently, which is vital for balancing all other hormones. Additionally, regular movement helps reduce body-wide inflammation, which is a primary cause of painful, uncomfortable period symptoms. Aim for a mix of strength training and light cardio throughout your week.

Fuel Up on Key Nutrients

Your hormones require specific building blocks and helpers to function optimally. Three critical nutrients are: Omega-3s, which are found in fatty fish/flaxseed, that reduce inflammation to ease cramps and mood swings.

Vitamin D, which acts more like a hormone itself and plays a role in regulating the menstrual cycle; and Magnesium, known as "nature's relaxant," which helps reduce PMS-related anxiety, migraines, and cramps. Focus on incorporating these vital fats and minerals into your diet every day to directly support better hormonal health.

Diabetologists are getting calls from all day long, but not for the doubts and patients one would imagine. These calls are from those who have been trying to lose and even before they would try the lifestyle changes the doctor suggests, they would jump in with the question that doctors are not very fond of, "Doctor, can you start me on weight-loss drugs?"

The BBC reports that a Mumbai-based diabetologist Dr Rahul Baxi also experienced something similar. A 23-year-old corporate employee walked into his clinic and told him that one of his friends was on weight loss jabs and if he would too, since he was worried about the 10kg he had gained. “Stop, and the weight comes back. Keep going, and without exercise you’ll start losing muscle instead. These medicines aren't a substitute for a proper diet or lifestyle change.”

These conversations have now become common in India, where people's demand for weight loss jabs have skyrocketed. India has world's second-largest population of overweight adults. Furthermore, more than 77 million people live with Type 2 diabetes in the country. This is thus no surprise that if the drug has gained a quick traction.

Game-Changing Drugs

“These are the most powerful weight-loss drugs we’ve ever seen… nothing compares to these,” says Dr Anoop Misra to BBC, who heads Delhi’s Fortis-C-DOC Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology.

Two drugs dominate the market:

• Semaglutide, sold by Novo Nordisk as Rybelsus (oral) and Wegovy (injectable)
• Tirzepatide, sold by Eli Lilly as Mounjaro

Both belong to the GLP-1 class, which mimics the hormone that regulates appetite. By slowing digestion and acting on the brain’s hunger centres, the drugs make people feel full sooner and stay full longer.

Treatment usually starts with low doses and ramps up to a weekly maintenance dose. Early weight loss often appears within weeks, making the drugs especially attractive to young urban users wanting quick results.

Weight Loss Drugs Do Not Come Without Side Effects

Doctors warn that most users regain weight within a year of stopping. Without strength training or adequate protein intake, they also risk losing muscle instead of fat, particularly worrying in a country already battling sarcopenic obesity due to low-protein diets.

Side effects range from nausea and diarrhea to more serious risks like gallstones, pancreatitis, and significant muscle loss. And the drugs aren’t cheap: a month’s supply can cost ₹14,000–₹27,000, out of reach for most Indians.

India’s anti-obesity drug market has ballooned from $16 million in 2021 to nearly $100 million today. Novo Nordisk leads the market, while Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide quickly became India’s second-bestselling drug within months of launch.

But behind the buzz lies troubling misuse.

Doctors describe gym trainers, dieticians and beauty clinics recommending high-dose jabs without medical authority. Some online pharmacies deliver the drugs after minimal consultation. One Delhi-based doctor told the BBC that some colleagues had treated thousands of patients with imported, unregulated jabs bought on the black market.

Then there are “bridal slimming packages” and requests for rapid pre-wedding weight loss—some as drastic as dropping seven kilos in three months.