title: Addressing fear of recurrence: improving psychological care in cancer survivors.
abstract: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is defined as "the fear or worry that the cancer will return or progress in the same area or another part of the body." FCR is associated with impaired functioning and lower quality of life in cancer patients. A cognitive-existential (CE) manualized group intervention for women with FCR showed a moderate effect size in reducing FCR, cancer-specific distress, and maladaptive coping. However, it appears that no individual intervention for FCR exists for both men and women. Therefore, the group intervention was adapted to an individual format.
  
  
  
  This study was conducted to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and satisfaction of the individual intervention. The intervention was pilot-tested on n = 3 cancer survivors. The 6-week sessions included cognitive restructuring, structured exercises, and relaxation techniques. Participants completed questionnaire packages during a 4-week baseline period and throughout the 6-week intervention. Participants completed exit interviews following the intervention.
  
  
  
  General trends in baseline and intervention stages were compared. Based on the line graphs, the individual intervention appears to help survivors lower their elevated FCR and cancer-specific distress. Qualitative exit interviews conducted with the study participants demonstrated that the intervention was acceptable and satisfactory.
  
  
  
  This clinical intervention allows researchers to systematically focus on evidence-based treatments for managing FCR, and displays the availability of treatment options in different therapeutic modalities. However, further research is needed to identify the active therapeutic ingredients and mechanisms of change in the intervention. Overall, intervention studies suggest it is possible to help cancer survivors manage their FCR.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier Private, Room 4016, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada. ctome085@uottawa.ca.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-3352-4583
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tomei
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier Private, Room 4016, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lebel
authors.affiliation: Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, 3506 University Street, Room 401-A, Wilson Hall, Montreal, QC, H3A 2A7, Canada.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Maheu
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier Private, Room 4016, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
authors.forename: Brittany
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mutsaers
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D005239:Fear / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000523:psychology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality*; D011788:Quality of Life; D017741:Survivors
keywords: Cancer; Coping; Fear of cancer recurrence; Psychosocial interventions; Psychosocial oncology
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