How cancer can change what matters to you: Understanding post-traumatic growth

What is post-traumatic growth, and can positive change emerge from a cancer diagnosis without dismissing the challenges that come with it?In this episode, Steph is joined by Professor Nazanin Derakhshan, Professor of Experimental Psychopathology, and Gill McGuire, who was diagnosed with stage three rectal cancer in 2020, to discuss post-traumatic growth and how cancer can change our priorities, perspective, identity and outlook on life.Post-traumatic growth describes the positive changes that can emerge following a traumatic experience. After cancer, this might look like rethinking what matters most, changing career direction, prioritising relationships, appreciating life differently or finding a renewed sense of purpose. Importantly, growth does not mean the experience was positive, and it can exist alongside fear, uncertainty and ongoing challenges.Gill shares how cancer led her to reassess her relationship with work, spend more time with her family and become more intentional about how she spends her time. Drawing on both research and clinical practice, Naz explains what post-traumatic growth is, why growth and struggle often exist side by side, and how reflection, connection and small changes can support wellbeing after cancer treatment.In this episode, we discuss:• What post-traumatic growth means after cancer• How cancer can change your priorities, perspective and identity• Why growth and difficult emotions can exist at the same time• Returning to work and rethinking what matters• Why there is no timeline for moving forward after treatment• The role of reflection, connection and trying new things• Why taking the pressure off yourself can help• Small practical ways to support wellbeing after cancerWhether you're finding your way after cancer or questioning what matters now, this episode offers practical ideas, reassurance and insights into moving forward. Useful links:You can find practical tools, exercises, and further support related to this episode here:https://www.life-aftercancer.co.uk/post-traumatic-growth-after-cancerDisclaimerThe information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health or notice any new or worsening symptoms, please contact your GP or your medical team.Statements made by Gill are based on her personal experience and are anecdotal.Some of the research and evidence mentioned in this episode reflects the speaker’s academic and clinical work. Research, studies, and evidence mentioned throughout this episode can be found on our website: https://www.life-aftercancer.co.uk/post-traumatic-growth-after-cancerConnect with usSubscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@life-aftercancerWebsite: https://www.life-aftercancer.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/life_aftercancer/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/life-after-cancerTimestamp: 00:00 Introduction00:49 What is post-traumatic growth?02:29 Gill's cancer experience05:54 How cancer changed Gill's priorities09:19 Changing career after cancer13:05 Finding joy in everyday moments16:59 Can growth and struggle exist together?18:34 What hasn't changed after cancer?21:35 Why "bouncing back" isn't realistic23:30 Is there a timeline for growth?26:04 Letting go of pressure to find meaning28:02 Can we encourage post-traumatic growth?30:19 Practical ways to support growth34:06 The importance of connection and community36:02 What if you don't relate to post-traumatic growth?38:56 Taking the pressure off yourself43:43 Quick-fire questions: life after treatment46:13 Final reflections