title: Fear of Cancer Recurrence and Its Impacts on Quality of Life in Family Caregivers of Patients With Head and Neck Cancers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a major concern for family caregivers (FCs) caring for patients with head and neck cancers (HNCs).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study (a) investigated the FCR experience of HNC FCs, (b) compared the differences in the FCR levels of FCs while taking care of patients with different lengths of time since completing major treatments (posttreatment durations), and (c) examined the correlation between FCR and quality of life (QOL) in these FCs.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study was conducted in the radiation outpatient department of a medical center in northern Taiwan. A set of questionnaires, including the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Caregiver version and the Medical Outcomes Short-Form Health Survey, and a background information form were employed. One-way analysis of variance was used to examine the differences in the FCR and QOL among groups of FCs taking care of patients with different posttreatment durations (typically concurrent chemoradiotherapy). Pearson's correlation was used to identify the relationship between FCR and QOL.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two hundred fifty FCs were recruited in this study. The FCs used several coping and reassurance strategies to address their FCR experiences. Those FCs who cared for patients with short posttreatment durations (3-6 and 6-12 months) showed significantly higher overall FCR levels and higher FCR severity levels than those who cared for patients with long posttreatment durations (more than 5 years). High FCR was negatively correlated with physical and mental QOL.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest that FCs caring for patients with a relatively short posttreatment duration experience higher levels of FCR than those caring for patients with a longer posttreatment duration. In clinical settings, healthcare providers should use posttreatment duration as an indicator of risk of FCR in caregivers to address FCR and provide appropriate support. Future research should develop and examine interventions to help HNC FCs cope effectively with their FCR and improve their QOL.
authors: 1PhD, RN, Instructor, Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University;. 2PhD, RN, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology;. 3MD, MHA, Attending Physician, Departments of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and Professor, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University;. 4MSN, RN, Doctoral Student, School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University;. 5PhD, RN, Professor, School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University.
authors: Ching-Rong
authors: CR
authors: Lin
authors: Shu-Ching
authors: SC
authors: Chen
authors: Joseph Tung-Chien
authors: JT
authors: Chang
authors: Yuan-Yuan
authors: YY
authors: Fang
authors: Yeur-Hur
authors: YH
authors: Lai
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013624:Taiwan; D055815:Young Adult