Prakriti Poddar
06-Feb-2026
This world cancer day, we explore the emotional side of cancer recovery.
Inputs by: Prakriti Poddar, Global Head – Mental Health and Wellbeing at Roundglass Living, a Wholistic Wellbeing app
A cancer diagnosis changes the pace and focus of everyday life. Routines begin to revolve around care, decisions carry greater weight, and moments of uncertainty become more present. While medical treatment remains central, mental wellbeing plays a powerful role in how people experience recovery. Wellbeing is often seen as something meant for those who are healthy. In reality, it becomes even more important during illness. Supporting the whole person, not just the disease, can make a meaningful difference in how individuals cope, heal, and find steadiness through treatment.
The Emotional and Mental Demands of Treatment
Cancer doesn’t only affect the body. It brings waves of emotion that can shift from day to day. Fear about what lies ahead, anxiety while waiting for results, frustration with side effects, and grief over changes in daily life are all common. For many, financial pressures around treatment, travel, and time away from work add another layer of stress.
Alongside the emotional strain is the mental load of treatment itself. Managing appointments, medications, nutrition plans, and recovery routines can quickly feel like a full-time job. Without moments of rest and support, this pressure can build.
Practices That Support Healing
Wholistic wellbeing offers a way to meet these challenges with greater calm and clarity. Practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and breathwork help settle the nervous system when emotions feel overwhelming. Even a few minutes of focused breathing can ease anxiety and create space to think more clearly.
Creating time for relaxation and reflection helps release built-up stress. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can also support emotional balance by helping people work through anxious thoughts, build healthier coping patterns, and feel more in control. Together, these tools provide practical ways to navigate treatment with greater steadiness and confidence.
The Mind–Body Connection in Recovery
Research continues to highlight the powerful link between emotional wellbeing and physical healing. Ongoing stress can weaken the immune system, disrupt sleep, and make recovery feel more exhausting. Feelings of isolation or low mood can also make it harder to stay engaged with care.
On the other hand, a positive, hopeful mindset can improve resilience, strengthen coping, and even support better recovery outcomes. Patients who feel emotionally supported often report a better quality of life and greater confidence in managing treatment.
Supporting Families Through the Journey
This sense of support is just as critical for families and caregivers, who carry their own worries, emotional strain, and exhaustion. A wholistic approach to wellbeing includes them too.
Simple practices such as reflection, relaxation, and open conversations can help families stay connected and strong, even during difficult moments.
Healing Beyond Treatment
Recovery is about more than medical milestones. It’s about restoring stability, hope, and quality of life. When wellbeing becomes part of the treatment journey, patients and families are better equipped to face cancer with clarity, resilience, and compassion for themselves.
Cover Credits: Pexels
