Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Cancer

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder. Some people develop PTSD after experiencing a frightening or life-threatening situation. PTSD is most often referred to in situations such as living through war, a sexual or physical attack, abuse, or a serious accident. Cancer and cancer treatment can also cause PTSD. For example, one study shows that nearly 1 in 4 women who had recently been told they had breast cancer had PTSD.