Healing the Whole Self: Using 3 Steps Detect® to Recognize Behavioral Health Changes in Cancer Survivors—and Beyond 

3 Steps Detect empowers you to catch cancer early and have the best chance at beating it, and can also help you detect mental health changes, particularly for those along their survivor journey. 

A cancer diagnosis doesn’t just affect your body—it impacts your mind, relationships, and daily life. For many survivors, the emotional aftermath can be just as challenging as the treatment itself. At DetecTogether, we believe that acknowledging mental and emotional health is essential for healing and overall well-being. 3 Steps Detect® can help. There’s an important distinction between typical emotional responses, like short-term anxiety about recurrence, and more serious behavioral health concerns that require professional support. By learning the first step, Know Your Great (how you feel at your best or what’s normal for you), 3 Steps Detect can help you recognize behavioral health concerns early and move through the steps to take action and get the support you may need. 

All Feelings Are Valid 
There’s no “right” way to feel after being diagnosed with cancer. You may experience: 
• Stress, fear, anger, or depression 
• Disruption to your role in your family or workplace 
• Anxiety about how your loved ones will be affected 
• A sense of life being turned upside down 

These emotions are normal. However, if they linger or intensify, they can compromise your resilience and ability to move forward. Recognizing behavioral changes and emotional struggles early on is just as important as tracking physical symptoms. 
 
Mental Health Matters in Cancer Survivorship 
As your treatment plan begins, it’s common to feel overwhelmed. When persistent emotions like sadness or anxiety affect your energy and engagement in your recovery, recognizing them early can help you get the support you need to feel more in control. 
Here are some suggestions for supporting your emotional health: 

• Permit yourself to feel. Every emotion is valid. 
• Talk to someone you trust. Sharing with a loved one, friend, or therapist can help reduce feelings of isolation. 
• Stay connected. Those who feel supported and express their emotions are less likely to suffer from depression. 
• Take care of your body. Healthy nutrition, regular movement, and guided imagery can help reduce stress and promote emotional well-being. 
• Get moving. Exercise releases endorphins—natural mood boosters that elevate emotional well-being. 
• Accept your feelings. Create space for whatever emotional issues arise. 
• Seek help when needed. If feelings of depression or anxiety become overwhelming, speak with a mental health professional. 
• Consider Psychotherapy. It can offer a safe place to process emotions. 
• A trained professional may recommend medication. In some cases, it can help ease depression or anxiety and empower you to heal. 
 
Start with 3 Steps Detect® 
Whether the change is physical or emotional, early action is crucial. Our 3 Steps Detect program empowers you to: 
1. Know Your Great—know what’s normal for you so you can recognize health changes (physical & emotional) when you’re feeling not-so-great 
2. Use the 2-Week Rule—if you notice subtle but persistent changes in your health that last two weeks or more, it could be your body’s early warning sign of cancer or another serious illness.  
3. Share with Your Doctor— Don’t ignore it—speak up and get it checked. You are the expert on your body and mind—share your concerns with a doctor so they can provide the best help.  

This approach doesn’t just apply to body changes—it’s also a powerful tool for spotting shifts in your mental health. While initially designed to recognize physical health changes, 3 Steps Detect can also serve as a useful tool for self-awareness and emotional well-being. It is not a substitute for professional mental health care. 
 
Healing Includes the Mind 
Your feelings are real. By taking control of your mental health, you can redirect your energy toward healing. Emotional well-being is not a side note in cancer care—it’s a core part of healthy living. At DetecTogether, we’re here to help you detect more than just disease. We’re here to help you live. 
Behavioral health challenges like clinical depression, anxiety disorders, or trauma responses are medical conditions. Professional support through therapy, psychiatry, or support groups is a crucial and effective component of the healing process. 
 
📚 Resources Available: 
• DetecTogether: 3 Steps Detect 
• DetecTogether: Your Job as a Patient 
• DetecTogether: Share Your Story 
• American Cancer Society: How Well Are You Coping? 
• National Cancer Institute: Coping with Cancer 
• Cancer Support Community Link 
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline USA: Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org 
(Free, confidential support is available 24/7 for people in emotional distress or experiencing a mental health crisis.) 
• Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. 
Available 24/7 via text message. 
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: 
Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text “HelpLine” to 62640 
For resources, information, and support related to mental illness. 


Editorial contributions provided by Diedre Quealey, RN (Ret.), BS.