A single-item screening question for fear of recurrence in head and neck cancer.
Fear of recurrence (FoR) is the most frequent concern patients wish to discuss in head and neck review clinics. The aim of the study was to design a simple screening question on fear of recurrence to be incorporated into the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QOLv4), for use in clinical practice. A cross-sectional survey comprising 528 patients was conducted. 11 % selected the two most severe FoR categories. FoR responses correlated strongly (Spearman r s = -0.82) with the mean score of the seven items of the Fear of Recurrence Questionnaire. There was also a strong association with anxiety and mood dysfunction as measured from the UW-QOL, and with overall QOL. Patients more affected by FoR tended to be younger and post-radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The FoR screening question may be a useful addition to the UW-QOLv4 to help identify patients with significant FoR to receive extra support.
Evidence-Based Practice Research Centre (EPRC), Faculty of Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, L39 4QP, UK. snrogers.aintree@gmail.com.|Regional Maxillofacial Unit, University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool, L9 1AE, UK. snrogers.aintree@gmail.com.
Simon N
SN
Rogers
Liverpool University, Cedar House, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK.
Ben
B
Cross
Liverpool University, Cedar House, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK.
Cyrus
C
Talwar
Evidence-Based Practice Research Centre (EPRC), Faculty of Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, L39 4QP, UK.|Regional Maxillofacial Unit, University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool, L9 1AE, UK.
Derek
D
Lowe
Health Psychology, Bute Medical School, University of St Andrews, Westburn Lane, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, KY16 8HX, UK.
Gerry
G
Humphris
D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019468:Disease Management; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D000077195:Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D006113:United Kingdom
Fear of recurrence; Head and neck cancer; Health-related quality of life; Patient-reported outcomes; UW-QOL