Hope and healing amidst cancer surgery

Facing Cancer Surgery? How to Ease Pre-Surgery Anxiety

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Understanding the link between uncertainty, meaning of life, and anxiety can empower patients and their caregivers to navigate the challenging time before cancer surgery."

Undergoing cancer surgery can be an incredibly stressful experience. As patients prepare for treatment, many grapple with feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and a search for meaning amidst their health challenges. A recent study published in the Journal of Korean Academy of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing sheds light on these complex emotions, offering valuable insights for patients and healthcare providers alike.

The study investigates the relationships between pre-operative uncertainty, meaning of life, and anxiety in patients undergoing surgery for thyroid, breast, gastric, or colorectal cancer. By understanding these connections, we can develop strategies to better support patients during this vulnerable time.

This article will explore the key findings of the research and offer practical advice on how to manage pre-operative anxiety by addressing uncertainty and fostering a sense of purpose and meaning.

Unpacking the Anxiety Equation: Uncertainty, Meaning, and More

The study involved 90 adult patients admitted to a university-affiliated hospital in South Korea for cancer surgery. Researchers collected data using standardized questionnaires to measure uncertainty, meaning of life, and anxiety levels. Here's what they discovered:

Key Research Findings:

Anxiety and Uncertainty: A strong positive correlation exists between anxiety and uncertainty about the illness and upcoming surgery. The more uncertain a patient feels, the higher their anxiety levels tend to be.
Anxiety and Meaning: Conversely, anxiety showed a negative correlation with a patient's sense of meaning in life. Those who reported a stronger sense of purpose and meaning experienced less anxiety.
Uncertainty and Meaning: Uncertainty also had a negative correlation with meaning of life. Higher levels of uncertainty were associated with a weaker sense of purpose.
Key Predictors of Anxiety: Statistical analysis revealed that uncertainty was the most significant factor contributing to pre-operative anxiety, followed by a lack of meaning in life and low income levels.

The research model explained 40% of the variance in pre-operative anxiety levels, highlighting the significant impact of these factors. These findings underscore the importance of addressing uncertainty and supporting patients in finding meaning as part of their pre-surgical care.

Turning Research into Relief: Practical Steps for Patients and Caregivers

The study's results provide a clear call to action: reducing uncertainty and fostering meaning can significantly alleviate pre-operative anxiety in cancer patients. Here are some practical steps based on the research and other established strategies:

<ul> <li>Open Communication: Encourage patients to openly discuss their fears and concerns with their healthcare team. Clear, honest answers can significantly reduce uncertainty.</li> <li>Comprehensive Information: Provide detailed information about the surgical procedure, recovery process, and potential side effects, tailored to the patient's level of understanding.</li> <li>Support Systems: Connect patients with support groups or counseling services where they can share their experiences and learn coping strategies from others.</li> <li>Meaning-Making Activities: Encourage patients to engage in activities that bring them joy and purpose, such as spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or engaging in spiritual practices.</li> <li>Address Financial Concerns: Connect low-income patients with resources that can help alleviate financial burdens associated with cancer treatment.</li> </ul>

By proactively addressing uncertainty and supporting patients in finding meaning, healthcare providers and caregivers can play a vital role in easing anxiety and improving the overall well-being of individuals facing cancer surgery. These steps, informed by research, empower patients to approach surgery with greater peace of mind.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.12934/jkpmhn.2018.27.3.208, Alternate LINK

Title: Preoperative Uncertainty, Meaning Of Life, And Anxiety In Cancer Patients

Subject: Health (social science)

Journal: Journal of Korean Academy of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing

Publisher: The Korean Academy of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing

Authors: Kyungmi Youn, Jongeun Lee

Published: 2018-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What did the study reveal about the relationship between anxiety, uncertainty, and meaning of life in cancer patients facing surgery?

The study, published in the *Journal of Korean Academy of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing*, examined patients facing surgery for thyroid, breast, gastric, or colorectal cancer. It revealed a strong connection between pre-operative 'uncertainty' and 'anxiety'. The more uncertain a patient felt about their illness and surgery, the higher their anxiety. On the other hand, a stronger sense of 'meaning of life' was linked to lower anxiety levels. 'Uncertainty' also negatively correlated with 'meaning of life'; higher uncertainty meant a weaker sense of purpose.

Besides uncertainty, what else did the study identify as a significant predictor of pre-operative anxiety?

The research identified 'uncertainty' as the most significant predictor of pre-operative anxiety. Following closely behind was a lack of 'meaning of life'. While the study didn't deeply explore the reasons behind this, it is intuitive that a clear purpose can anchor someone during difficult times. The study also noted that low income levels contributed to pre-operative anxiety.

Based on the research findings, what are some practical steps that patients and caregivers can take to reduce anxiety before surgery?

The study highlighted the crucial role of addressing 'uncertainty' and fostering 'meaning of life' in reducing anxiety before cancer surgery. This can involve open communication with the medical team to clarify concerns about the procedure, recovery, and potential outcomes. Patients can also benefit from support groups, counseling, or spiritual guidance to explore their values, find purpose, and strengthen their sense of self.

The study focuses on uncertainty and meaning of life. What other factors could contribute to anxiety before cancer surgery that weren't specifically addressed?

While the study focused on 'uncertainty' and 'meaning of life', many other factors can contribute to pre-operative anxiety. Pain management is a significant concern for patients undergoing surgery. Additionally, the fear of anesthesia, potential complications, changes in body image, and the impact on daily life and relationships can also heighten anxiety. Addressing these concerns requires a holistic approach, including medical, psychological, and social support.

The research model explained 40% of the variance in pre-operative anxiety levels. What does this imply about other potential factors influencing anxiety in this context?

The study successfully explained 40% of the variance in pre-operative anxiety levels, underscoring the importance of addressing 'uncertainty' and 'meaning of life'. However, this also indicates that 60% of the variance is influenced by other factors not explored in the research. Further studies could investigate the roles of social support networks, pre-existing mental health conditions, coping mechanisms, and individual personality traits in shaping pre-operative anxiety experiences.