Alone with the diagnosis: A reflective analysis on imaging report access and emotional burden

Immediate access to imaging reports via digital health portals, such as Australia's MyHealthRecord, is increasingly common in cancer diagnostics. While intended to promote transparency and autonomy, this practice may cause distress when serious or uncertain findings are delivered without context or support. This study explores the emotional and systemic consequences of unguided access to imaging results, especially in the context of suspected cancer.

This study combined a first-person reflective account with a narrative literature review. The author, a diagnostic radiographer, received a CT scan report suggesting renal cell carcinoma without prior discussion or clinical guidance. The reflection was structured around emotional and systemic responses and analysed alongside peer-reviewed literature. The literature review focused on scanxiety, digital report access, and communication preferences, using PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases. Studies were included if they explored patient experiences with imaging results and emotional outcomes, published in English between 2010 and 2025.

The reflection revealed acute scanxiety, obsessive information-seeking, and a breakdown in perceived care. Despite clinical literacy, the absence of coordinated follow-up and emotional support resulted in confusion, insomnia, and a diminished sense of safety. The literature supports these themes: patients often experience heightened anxiety when receiving abnormal results via portals, and many prefer results to be shared in a structured, clinician-led context. Radiographers were identified as key observers of patient distress with potential to offer anticipatory guidance.

Unguided access to imaging reports in cancer diagnostics may compromise patient wellbeing.

To support safer access, systems should consider delayed result release for high-risk findings, plain-language summaries, and trauma-informed digital designs. Radiographers, while not responsible for report delivery, can play a critical role in promoting emotionally safe imaging pathways.