Cancerphobia is an uncommon condition that can severly impact the patient. It is a variant of hypochondriasis.
Features of cancerphobia:
(1) The patient is afraid that s/he has cancer or will develop it in the future.
(2) There is no evidence of cancer on evaluation (if the person sees a physician).
(3) The fear interferes with daily life and can cause severe impairment.
Complications:
(1) social withdrawal
(2) suicide
Differential diagnosis:
(1) cancer apprehension (associated with a pain or physical sign)
(2) significant exposure to something that can cause cancer (such as asbestos)
