Understanding the Emotional Impact of Watch and Wait

Watch and Wait

For many people living with indolent lymphomas or chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the watch and wait approach may be used following diagnosis or during periods when treatment isn’t yet necessary. This strategy involves regular monitoring through blood tests, imaging, and doctor visits, without starting chemotherapy or other treatments immediately.

While watch and wait is an effective medical approach, it can also bring a significant emotional burden. Living with a cancer diagnosis without treatment can lead to ongoing uncertainty, anxiety, and distress – experiences that are common but not always fully addressed within routine care.

For many people, the idea of not starting treatment right away can also feel confusing or even frightening. Public health messages about cancer often emphasize early detection and prompt treatment, so it may be hard to understand why “watch and wait” is recommended for indolent lymphomas or CLL.

It’s important to know that “watch and wait” is a safe, evidence-based approach. Being on watch and wait means that your oncologist has reviewed your health status and test results and has determined that starting treatment now would not provide additional benefit. It does not mean there is no treatment available for your lymphoma or that your doctor does not want to treat you. Careful monitoring ensures that treatment can begin promptly if the disease changes.

Recognizing this can help patients:

• Understand that watch and wait is not “doing nothing”
• Feel more confident in working with their healthcare team
• Focus on mental health and coping strategies while under surveillance

Why This Campaign Matters

The Watch and Wait Awareness and Advocacy Campaign aims to bring attention to the emotional and mental health challenges faced by people living with indolent lymphomas and CLL during this phase of care.
Through this campaign, Lymphoma Canada seeks to:

• Raise awareness of the mental health impact of watch and wait
• Amplify patient experiences, informed by survey findings from individuals living with indolent lymphoma or CLL
• Advocate for improved psychosocial and mental health supports as part of standard lymphoma care across Canada

Patient Voices Shape Better Care

Understanding the lived experience of watch and wait is essential to improving care. Patient perspectives help highlight gaps in emotional support, guide advocacy efforts, and inform healthcare decision-makers about what matters most to those living with lymphoma and CLL.

By sharing experiences and insights, the lymphoma community can help drive meaningful change – ensuring that emotional well-being is recognized as an important part of lymphoma and CLL care, alongside clinical monitoring.

Get Involved

Whether you are living with an indolent lymphoma, CLL, caring for someone who is, or supporting the lymphoma community, your voice matters.

Resources:

Watch and Wait Webinar

Lymphoma Canada hosted a webinar on “Watch and Wait” which discussed the rationale behind this strategy, how it helps manage lymphoma and CLL progression, and what patients can expect during this period. In this webinar, guest speaker Dr. Versha Banerji also covered key considerations for maintaining wellness and monitoring symptoms while under observation.

Watch and Wait Guide

Lymphoma Canada offers a comprehensive “Watch and Wait Guide” that provides practical information, and guidance for patients and caregivers navigating this phase of care.