What psychological effect can occur when a cancer survivor avoids interactions with someone who has lost a loved one to cancer?

The psychological effect referred to in the correct answer is survivor's guilt. This occurs when a cancer survivor may feel guilt over their own survival while others, such as friends or family members, have not had the same outcome. This emotion can lead to profound discomfort in situations where their survival is highlighted, particularly in interactions with those who have experienced loss. The survivor may find it difficult to engage with bereaved individuals, fearing that their presence will intensify the loss felt by others or feeling unworthy of the joy of life when someone else is grieving.

Survivor's guilt can drive a survivor to distance themselves from individuals who are mourning, as they may want to avoid reminding those individuals of their loss or may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or blame about their continued existence compared to those who have passed away. This psychological effect can become a barrier to processing their own trauma and the emotional complexities inherent in surviving a life-threatening illness.