Fear of recurrence, or fear of the cancer coming back, is one of the most common worries among women diagnosed with breast cancer and can have a powerful effect on your quality of life. During our March teleconference, Kauser Ahmed, PhD, staff clinical psychologist and licensed clinical psychologist at Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, explored how to cope with fear of recurrence after completing treatment for breast cancer. Learn strategies to:
- Help gain control over fear and anxiety
- Stay ahead of "trigger" events
- Communicate what you are feeling to loved ones and healthcare providers
Dr. Ahmed also discusses where to find additional resources.
About Our Speaker
Dr. Ahmed is a clinical psychologist at the Simms/Mann UCLA Center of Integrative Oncology in Los Angeles, Calif. She provides individual, couples and family counseling to patients and families coping with the impact of cancer in their lives as well as consultation to medical teams who treat individuals with cancer. She works closely with women undergoing treatment for breast cancer through the UCLA Revlon Breast Center and as co-facilitator of a weekly support group for women undergoing treatment for early diagnosis breast cancer.
Dr. Ahmed has a strong interest in the unique issues faced by the growing community of young people affected by cancer. She provides psychosocial assessment and support to those diagnosed with all cancers through both the adult and pediatric UCLA-LIVESTRONG survivor clinics. She is on the advisory board of Camp Kesem at UCLA, a student-run summer camp for children who have a parent with cancer. She creates and delivers training programs in the psychosocial aspects of oncology care to psychologists, social workers, nurses and other members of the medical team at UCLA and other institutions.
Additional Resources
Living Beyond Breast Cancer's Guide to Understanding Fear of Recurrence
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