IT'S NORMAL TO FEEL NERVOUS BEFORE A SCAN

"Scanxiety" is defined as the anxiety and distress experienced before, during, and after breast scanning and diagnostics. It can get in the way of your daily activities and interfere with your life. It is a real and common response.

Everyone has different amounts of scanxiety. Some people feel mild worry, while others feel strong panic or distress. Everyone experiences it at different times, too. You might feel scanxiety before a scan, during a scan, while waiting for results, or at all three times.

Grounding is a set of simple strategies to help you detach from overwhelming feelings. It works by focusing on the external world—rather than looking inward. You can also think of it as distracting, centering , finding a safe place, or creating healthy detachment.

Learn the signs of scanxiety and try different exercises and practice what works for you before your scan.