Seven ways to move on after getting a cancer all-clear

Marie-Claire Dorking
·Contributor
Updated ·5-min read
Lauren Laverne has revealed she has been given the all-clear following her treatment for cancer. (Getty Images)
Lauren Laverne has revealed she has been given the all-clear following her treatment for cancer. (Getty Images)

Lauren Laverne has revealed she has been given the "all clear" after undergoing treatment for cancer. The broadcaster, 46, told fans on Instagram that she will be "back to work" on Tuesday’s The One Show after "taking some time off to get better".

After thanking her medical team, friends, family and well-wishers for their support the presenter revealed how going through such a "difficult time" had taught her "so much about what really matters".

The DJ revealed her cancer diagnosis in August, saying at the time that it had been caught early and she "expected to make a full recovery".

Lauren will now begin recording episodes of The One Show and BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs after being absent from the studios for around three months.

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Experts say it can be tricky for some cancer survivors to move on mentally from their experiences. Recent research has revealed three quarters (75%) of cancer survivors report the negative effects of cancer on their family and social lives, an effect that is more pronounced in women.

"Living with cancer can have a significant impact on your mental health," explains Caroline Geraghty, specialist cancer information nurse at Cancer Research UK. "This can happen at any time during the cancer experience, including after completing treatment, when you are transitioning back to everyday life. This might be because you have less contact or support from the hospital or friends and family, or you have more time to reflect on your experience as you’re no longer in ‘survival’ mode."

While the feeling of hearing an all-clear after cancer can be indescribable, psychologist Barbara Santini says it is important to acknowledge that moving forward mentally can be just as challenging as the physical journey you have been through. "Cancer leaves its mark, not just on your body, but on your mind and sense of self," she explains. "Many people, including loved ones, might expect you to simply pick up where you left off, but the reality is often far more complex."

Give yourself permission to process your journey fully. "Talk openly about your feelings, whether with a trusted friend, a support group, or a therapist," advises Santini. "Sharing your story with others who truly understand can be both cathartic and empowering."

Laverne said she feels that "the small things in life - the connections we make and care we take with each other - are the big things really". Santini agrees that focusing on meaningful joys could help with recovering mentally. "It could be as simple as enjoying a walk in the park, rediscovering a hobby, or spending quality time with loved ones," she adds. "Moments of mindfulness, where you focus on the present, help ground you and remind you of life’s beauty."

Santini suggests acknowledging the strength it took to get through your journey. "Reflect on how far you have come, but do not rush yourself to 'move on'," she advises. "Your life has changed, but it does not mean it cannot be beautiful again, just in a new way. Moving forward is about finding that new normal on your own terms."

Going through your cancer story is a process and only you can say how long that story takes to process. "Do not put any pressure on yourself to 'move on' quickly and take your time," advises chartered psychologist Dr Mark Rackley. "Also don't assume you should be at certain points at specific times, this is a process and is done in your own time-frame."

It's understandable that going for a scan is going to be anxiety-provoking. "Coping with the anxiety surrounding this is about accepting that the scans are something that are a part of the cancer story," Dr Rackley explains. "This will help to put them in perspective."

Dr Rackley says the fear of the cancer coming back needs to be managed so that this does not become a focus in your life that will stop you from moving on. "It is about telling the brain that this fear is not real that it is a potential fear," he advises. "Your brain cannot tell the difference between a real or imagined problem, so you have to be very clear with it. Make plans to do nice things in your future and do them, so you feel engaged with life."

Joe Kirwin chief executive, Pancreatic Cancer Action, says it is okay to feel a mix of relief and anxiety after treatment ends and advises giving yourself time to adjust. "Try to embrace the idea that moving forward is not about forgetting but finding a new sense of normal," he advises. "It’s crucial to allow yourself time to process emotions, adapt, and seek support when necessary​."

It’s not always easy to get the help you need, but support is available. "Speak to others with similar experiences in the cancer community by using Cancer Chat, Cancer Research UK's online forum for people affected by cancer," advises Geraghty. "Or you can talk to the Cancer Research UK information nurses on freephone 0808 800 4040, from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday."

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