Investigating fear of cancer recurrence among female breast cancer survivors and their spouses in southwest China: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

Examining fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) among breast cancer survivors and their spouses, and the protective effect of family resilience on FCR among couples affected by breast cancer.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey design.

SETTING

Ten general grade IIIa (>500 beds) hospitals in southwest China.

PARTICIPANTS

Overall, 392 early breast cancer survivors and their spousal caregivers (N=392) were recruited from cancer centres in hospitals.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Spouses' and survivors' FCR were the primary outcome measures. Family resilience and perceived stress were the secondary outcome measures. Using a convenience sampling method, we collected data on-site using paper questionnaires. The Chinese version of the Family Resilience Assessment Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Fear of Progression Questionnaire Short Form and Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form for spouses were used to evaluate the outcomes.

RESULTS

The model accounted for 66.3% and 53.6% of the variance in spouses' FCR and survivors' FCR, respectively. Family resilience directly negatively affected perceived stress and spouses' and survivors' FCR (β=-0.22; β=-0.13; β=-0.19). Perceived stress was a partial mediator of the association between family resilience and survivors' FCR (β=-0.070; 95% CI :-0.151 to -0.022). Spouses' FCR partially mediated the association between family resilience and survivors' FCR (β=-0.048; 95% CI= -0.092 to -0.015). Perceived stress and spouses' FCR played a significant chain-mediated role between family resilience and survivors' FCR (β=-0.061; 95% CI: -0.119 to -0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

Family-centred approaches to reducing survivors' perceived stress can improve the psychological well-being of couples affected by breast cancer and ultimately reduce FCR. Medical staff should consider the psychological feelings of survivors and their spousal caregivers when devising the intervention plan, which should address the families' potential and mobilise family and community resources for increasing family resilience.

Trajectories of fear of cancer recurrence and its influence factors: A longitudinal study on Chinese newly diagnosed cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

The fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is an ongoing and common psychological problem faced by cancer patients. The objective of this study was to explore the variation trend of FCR and its influencing factors in Chinese newly diagnosed cancer patients from admission to 2 months after discharge. Demographic and tumor characteristics, as well as experiential avoidance (EA), were used as predictors.

METHOD

A longitudinal design and a consecutive sampling method were used to select 266 newly diagnosed cancer patients admitted to a tertiary cancer hospital in China from July to December 2022. Measurements of FCR and EA were obtained at admission (T1), 1 month after discharge (T2), and 2 months post-discharge (T3). Generalized estimating equations were used to identify factors associated with FCR for longitudinal data analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 266 participants completed the follow-up. Both FCR and EA scores of patients with newly diagnosed cancer showed a significant trend of first increasing and then decreasing at baseline and follow-up (p < 0.001). The junior secondary and less education level, rural residence, advanced tumor and high EA level were risk factors for higher FCR.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the FCR levels of most newly diagnosed cancer patients in China are different at the three time points and affected by different factors, with the highest level at 1 month after discharge. These results have significant implications for future identifying populations in need of targeted intervention based on their FCR trajectories.

Death anxiety predicts fear of Cancer recurrence and progression in ovarian Cancer patients over and above other cognitive factors

Death anxiety is understudied in people with cancer, especially in relation to fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and fear of progression (FOP). The present study aimed to identify if death anxiety can predict FCR and FOP over and above other known theoretical predictors. One hundred and seventy-six participants with ovarian cancer were recruited for an online survey. We included theoretical variables, such as metacognitions, intrusive thoughts about cancer, perceived risk of recurrence or progression, and threat appraisal, in regression analyses to predict FCR or FOP. We investigated whether death anxiety added to the variance over and above these variables. Correlational analyses demonstrated that death anxiety is more strongly associated with FOP than FCR. The hierarchical regression including the theoretical variables described above predicted 62-66% of variance in FCR and FOP. In both models, death anxiety predicted a small but statistically significant unique variance in FCR and FOP. These findings draw attention to the importance of death anxiety in understanding FCR and FOP in people with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. They also suggest that elements of exposure and existentialist therapies may be relevant in treating FCR and FOP.

Effectiveness of a guided online primary care intervention for fear of cancer recurrence: A randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR) is highly prevalent among cancer survivors and leads to decreased quality of life and increased healthcare costs. We assessed the effectiveness of a guided online primary care intervention for FCR, compared to waiting list.

METHODS

In this RCT, participants were recruited online and randomised 1:1. All adults who finished successful curative cancer treatment between 3 months and 10 years ago, wanted support for FCR, and had sufficient Dutch skills were eligible. The intervention consisted of a 10-week online programme and three to five video calling sessions with a trained mental health worker. After 6 months, the control group received the same intervention. The primary outcome was the difference between the groups in the change in FCR severity from baseline (T0) to 6 months (T2), measured online with the short form of the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-three participants were enroled and randomised to the intervention (n = 86) or control group (n = 87). FCR severity dropped 2.1 points more in the intervention group than in the control group (2.7 points (SD = 3.9) versus 0.6 points (SD = 3.6), t(154) = 3.4, p = 0.0007). General mental well-being also improved significantly in the intervention group and remained stable in the control group. These improvements remained at 10 months follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

This easily accessible and relatively inexpensive intervention effectively reduces FCR and has potential to replace or precede existing more intensive psychological treatments, improving patients' access to care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was prospectively registered in the Netherlands Trial Register on 25-02-2019 with number NL7573.

The association between metacognition, coping style and fear of cancer recurrence among postmastectomy patients: A cross sectional study

PURPOSE

To investigate the incidence of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in Chinese postmastectomy patients and explore the relationships between metacognition, coping style, and FCR on the basis of the self-regulating executive function model.

METHODS

A total of 480 postmastectomy patients from two tertiary comprehensive hospitals in Xi'an were enrolled from March 2021 to November 2021. The participants completed demographic information, the Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30), Positive Metacognitions and Positive Meta-Emotions Questionnaire (PMCEQ), Simplified Copying Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), and Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory Short Form (FCRI-SF).

RESULTS

34.2% of the respondents had scores indicating a clinical level of FCR (FCRI-SF≥13). FCR had a positive correlation with maladaptive metacognition and negative coping style (P < 0.01), while adaptive metacognition and positive coping style were negatively correlated (P < 0.01). Besides, maladaptive metacognition had both direct and indirect effects on FCR, with the indirect effect primarily mediated by negative coping style (total effect, 0.430). Adaptive metacognition had both direct and indirect effects on FCR, with the indirect effect primarily mediated by positive coping style (total effect,﹣0.302).

CONCLUSION

FCR was a common phenomenon in postmastectomy patients and moderate in most patients. In addition, both metacognition and coping style had a direct and indirect association with the occurrence and development of FCR. Moreover, adaptive metacognition and maladaptive metacognition had different mechanisms on FCR in patients with breast cancer.

Validity and screening capacity of the FCR-1r for fear of cancer recurrence in long-term colorectal cancer survivors

PURPOSE

Existing fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) screening measures is being shortened to facilitate clinical use. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and screening capacity of a single-item FCR screening measure (FCR-1r) in long-term colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors with no recurrence and assess whether it performs as well in older as in younger survivors.

METHODS

All Danish CRC survivors above 18, diagnosed and treated with curative intent between 2014 and 2018, were located through a national patient registry. A questionnaire including the FCR-1r, which measures FCR on a 0-10 visual analog scale, alongside the validated Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory Short Form (FCRI-SF) as a reference standard was distributed between November 2021 and May 2023. Screening capacity and cut-offs were evaluated with a receiver-operating characteristic analysis (ROC) in older (≥ 65 years) compared to younger (< 65 years) CRC survivors. Hypotheses regarding associations with other psychological variables were tested as indicators of convergent and divergent validity.

RESULTS

Of the CRC survivors, 2,128/4,483 (47.5%) responded; 1,654 (36.9%) questionnaires were eligible for analyses (median age 76 (range 38-98), 47% female). Of the responders, 85.2% were aged ≥ 65. Ninety-two participants (5.6%) reported FCRI-SF scores ≥ 22 indicating clinically significant FCR. A FCR-1r cut-off ≥ 5/10 had 93.5% sensitivity and 80.4% specificity for detecting clinically significant FCR (AUC = 0.93, 95% CI 0.91-0.94) in the overall sample. The discrimination ability was significantly better in older (AUC = 0.93, 95% CI 0.91-0.95) compared to younger (0.87, 95% (0.82-0.92), p = 0.04) CRC survivors. The FCR-1r demonstrated concurrent validity against the FCRI-SF (r = 0.71, p < 0.0001) and convergent validity against the short-versions of the Symptom Checklist-90-R subscales for anxiety (r = 0.38, p < 0.0001), depression (r = 0.27, p < 0.0001), and emotional distress (r = 0.37, p < 0.0001). The FCR-1r correlated weakly with employment status (r =  - 0.09, p < 0.0001) and not with marital status (r = 0.01, p = 0.66) indicating divergent validity.

CONCLUSIONS

The FCR-1r is a valid tool for FCR screening in CRC survivors with excellent ability to discriminate between clinical and non-clinical FCR, particularly in older CRC survivors.

Heterogeneity of posttraumatic stress, depression, and fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer survivors: a latent class analysis

PURPOSE

Breast cancer survivors may demonstrate elevated psychological distress, which can also hinder adherence to survivorship care plans. Our goal was to study heterogeneity of behavioral health and functioning in breast cancer survivors, and identify both risk and protective factors to improve targets for wellness interventions.

METHODS

Breast cancer survivors (n = 187) consented to complete self-reported psychological measures and to access their medical records. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to classify heterogeneous subpopulations based on levels of depression, post-traumatic stress, fear of cancer recurrence, cancer-related pain, and fatigue. Multinomial logistic regression and auxiliary analysis in a 3-step modeling conditional approach was used to identify characteristics of the group based on demographics, treatment history and characteristics, and current medication prescriptions.

RESULTS

Three subpopulations of breast cancer survivors were identified from the LCA: a modal Resilient group (48.2%, n = 90), a Moderate Symptoms group (34%, n = 65), and an Elevated Symptoms group (n = 17%, n = 32) with clinically-relevant impairment. Results from the logistic regression indicated that individuals in the Elevated Symptoms group were less likely to have a family history of breast cancer; they were more likely to be closer to time of diagnosis and younger, have received chemotherapy and psychotropic prescriptions, and have higher BMI. Survivors in the Elevated Symptoms group were also less likely to be prescribed estrogen inhibitors than the Moderate Symptoms group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified subgroups of breast cancer survivors based on behavioral, psychological, and treatment-related characteristics, with implications for targeted monitoring and survivorship care plans.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Results showed the majority of cancer survivors were resilient, with minimal psychological distress. Results also suggest the importance of paying special attention to younger patients getting chemotherapy, especially those without a family history of breast cancer.

Supportive care needs of breast cancer survivors with different levels of fear of cancer recurrence: A cross-sectional survey study

PURPOSE

To examine the supportive care needs of breast cancer survivors with nonclinical, subclinical, or clinical fear of cancer recurrence.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 385 breast cancer survivors consented and completed a set of online questionnaires. Supportive care needs were assessed by using the 34-item Supportive Care Needs Survey. Fear of cancer recurrence was assessed by using the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-four (47.8%) participants reported nonclinical fear of cancer recurrence, 147 (38.2%) reported subclinical fear of cancer recurrence, and 54 (14.0%) reported clinical fear of cancer recurrence. Higher levels of fear of cancer recurrence were associated with higher levels of supportive care needs in five domains (β = 0.30-0.60, P < 0.001) after adjusting for places of residence, education, motherhood, and time since diagnosis. Among participants with nonclinical fears of cancer recurrence, the most common needs were in the 'Health care system/Information' domain (50.5%). Among participants with subclinical or clinical fear of cancer recurrence, the most common needs were in the 'Psychological' domain (85.7% and 96.3%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Fear of cancer recurrence was associated with supportive care needs. The most common needs among participants with subclinical or clinical fears of cancer recurrence were psychological needs.

Fatalism and Psychological Distress Among Chinese American Breast Cancer Survivors: Mediating Role of Perceived Self-control and Fear of Cancer Recurrence

BACKGROUND

Extant literature on the relationship between cancer fatalism and psychological distress among Chinese American breast cancer survivors has been mixed, and few studies have examined potential mediators of this relationship. The current study examined how cancer fatalism is associated with psychological distress by investigating perceived personal control and fear of cancer recurrence as mediators, and acculturation as a moderator of these relationships.

METHOD

A total of 220 Chinese American women diagnosed with stage 0-III breast cancer were recruited from California cancer registries and completed a telephone survey. The measurement of cancer fatalism examined one's view of health as a result of destiny. Validated measures of psychological distress (i.e., depressive and anxiety symptoms), fear of cancer recurrence, and perceived personal control were used. Acculturation was defined by English proficiency, preferred interview language, and number of years lived in the USA.

RESULTS

Higher cancer fatalism was directly associated with greater depressive and anxiety symptoms after controlling for covariates. This association was also mediated by higher fear of cancer recurrence, but not by perceived control. The mediation was not moderated by acculturation.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that Chinese American breast cancer survivors' fatalistic beliefs may exacerbate fear of cancer recurrence, and, in turn, depressive and anxiety symptoms. Fear of recurrence was more salient than perceived control in their associations with psychological distress among Chinese American cancer survivors. Future intervention research may adopt cognitive approaches to alter Chinese survivors' fatalistic views of health outcomes to reduce their psychological distress.

A quality improvement project to optimize access to psychosocial care for cancer survivors who experience fear of recurrence

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of moderate to high levels of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in cancer survivors may vary from 22% to 87%, although most are not usually referred to psychosocial support. The After Cancer Treatment Transition (ACTT) clinic in Women's College Hospital (Toronto) provides follow-up care to cancer survivors but in a sample of 2893 patients seen April 2019 to March 2022, only 1.5% were referred to a social worker for psychosocial needs. A single-question screening tool is currently available to screen for FCR.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of the single-question screening tool for FCR among cancer survivors and its impact on social work referrals.

RESULTS

Between July and October 2022, 788 patients were seen in the ACTT clinic. Generally, most patients in ACTT are breast cancer survivors (75%), and the remaining survivors are a mix of other cancer types (colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, thyroid cancer, melanoma). Three hundred thirty (41.9%) ACTT patients completed the single-question screening tool for FCR. Most screened patients were female (96%), the average age was 60 years, and most were diagnosed with breast cancer (90%). Among screened patients, 37 (11%) indicated a moderately severe to high level of FCR and efforts were made to refer these 37 patients to a social worker. In the end, 22 (59.5%) patients with moderately severe/high levels of FCR were offered and accepted referral to a social worker. In comparison to the 1.5% referred to social work (among 2893 patients) prior to FCR screening, referrals increased to 6.7% (among 330 screened).

CONCLUSION

Use of a single-question FCR screening tool improved identifying cancer survivors in need of psychosocial support and improved access to a social worker.

ConquerFear-Group: A randomized controlled trial of an online-delivered group-based psychological intervention for fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a distressing concern among cancer survivors. Interventions to address FCR need to be effective but also accessible and low cost. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of an online group-based psychological intervention for FCR (ConquerFear-Group).

METHODS

Eligible breast cancer (BC) survivors had completed primary treatment 3 months-5 years previously, were ≥18 years, and scored ≥22 on the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Short Form (FCRI-SF). Participants were randomized to online ConquerFear-Group (focusing on metacognitive strategies, values-clarification, and education about follow-up behavior) or online group-based relaxation training (active control). Questionnaires were completed at baseline (T1), 1 week post-intervention (T2), three (T3) and six (T4) months later. The primary outcome was FCR (FCRI total). A number of secondary and process outcomes were also collected. Treatment effects were evaluated with mixed linear models.

RESULTS

Of 866 eligible BC survivors, 475 (55%) completed the FCR screening, and 85 (18%) were randomized to ConquerFear-Group or relaxation training (2 × 6 groups). Compared with control participants, ConquerFear-Group participants experienced larger reductions in FCR (Cohen's d = 0.47, p = 0.001) and FCR severity (d = 0.57, p < 0.001), as well as mindfulness and decentering from baseline through follow-up, and improvements in emotion regulation (T2), worry (T2, T3) and rumination (T2) at some time points.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrated statistically significant and stable effects of ConquerFear-Group on FCR that were maintained over a 6-month period. It is suggested to investigate the program in a real-life setting, where a pragmatic trial can further demonstrate feasibility and effectiveness.

Latent Profiles of Fear of Cancer Recurrence and Associations with Physical and Mental Health Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a multidimensional construct; however, few studies have meaningfully integrated FCR severity (i.e., level of fear) with FCR-related concepts (e.g., triggers).

PURPOSE

The present study determined (a) latent profiles of FCR; (b) socio-demographic variations between identified profiles; (c) interactions between identified profiles and resilience and rumination on chronic physical disorders, depressive/anxiety symptoms, and quality of life.

METHODS

The present study is a secondary data analysis of which 404 cancer survivors were included in this study. All participants completed the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory and measures of resilience, rumination, depressive/anxiety symptoms, and quality of life.

RESULTS

Latent profile analysis identified three distinct profiles based on varying levels of FCR and FCR-related concepts; Profile 1 "Low FCR" (n = 108; 26.4%), Profile 2 "Moderate FCR, High coping" (n = 197; 49.4%), and Profile 3 "High FCR, distress and impairment" (n = 99; 24.3%). Profile 3 was associated with younger age and history of radiotherapy. Latent profiles of FCR significantly interacted with resilience and rumination on depressive/anxiety symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Latent profile analysis integrates FCR severity and FCR-related concepts to support a nuanced understanding of FCR. Our results suggest specific points of intervention, which extend beyond addressing FCR severity.

CBT-based Online Self-help Training to Reduce Fear and Distress After Cancer (CAREST Randomized Trial): 24 Months Follow-up Using Latent Growth Models and Latent Class Analysis

BACKGROUND

Psychological distress (PD) and fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) are common consequences of surviving cancer. Online self-help training could help many cancer survivors deal with PD and FCR at low costs.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the CAncer REcurrence Self-help Training (CAREST trial) to reduce PD and FCR. Moreover, to evaluate the relation between FCR and PD across time and identify subgroups representing different change trajectories in FCR over time and their predictors.

METHODS

This multicenter randomized controlled trial included 262 female breast cancer survivors, assigned to online self-help training or care as usual. Participants completed questionnaires at baseline and four times during the 24-month follow-up. The primary outcomes were PD and FCR (Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory). Latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) and repeated measures latent class analysis (RMLCA) were performed, both according to the intention-to-treat principle.

RESULTS

LGCM showed no differences between the average latent slope in both groups for both PD and FCR. The correlation between FCR and PD at baseline was moderate for the intervention group and strong for the CAU group and did not significantly decrease over time in both groups. RMLCA revealed five latent classes and several predictors of class membership.

CONCLUSIONS

We did not find a long-term effect of the CBT-based online self-help training in reducing PD or FCR, nor in their relation. Therefore, we recommend adding professional support to online interventions for FCR. Information about FCR classes and predictors may contribute to improvement of FCR interventions.

Smartphone Psychotherapy Reduces Fear of Cancer Recurrence Among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Fully Decentralized Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial (J-SUPPORT 1703 Study)

PURPOSE

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a common distressing condition. We investigated the efficacy of smartphone problem-solving therapy and behavioral activation applications in breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

This was a decentralized randomized trial. Participants were disease-free breast cancer survivors age 20-49 years who were randomly assigned to the smartphone-based intervention or waitlist control. Both groups received treatment as usual. The control group could access the smartphone apps during weeks 8-24. The intervention comprised smartphone problem-solving therapy and behavioral activation apps. The primary end point was the Concerns About Recurrence Scale at week 8. Secondary outcomes included the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Short Form (FCRI-SF), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Short-form Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-SF34), and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory at weeks 8 and 24 (trial registration: UMIN-CTR: UMIN000031140).

RESULTS

The intervention group included 223 participants, and the control group included 224 participants. Primary outcome data were obtained for 444 participants, and 213 participants in the intervention arm completed the week 24 assessment. The intervention group had statistically greater improvements than controls at week 8 on the Concerns About Recurrence Scale (difference -1.39; 95% CI, -1.93 to -0.85; P < .001), FCRI-SF (difference -1.65; 95% CI, -2.41 to -0.89; P < .001), HADS depression (difference -0.49; 95% CI, -0.98 to 0; P < .05), and SCNS-SF34 psychological domain (difference -1.49; 95% CI, -2.67 to -0.32; P < .05). These scores at week 24 were not statistically significant compared with week 8 although the HADS depression score at week 24 was significantly reduced (P = .03).

CONCLUSION

Novel smartphone psychotherapy offers a promising way to reduce FCR given the large number of survivors and a limited number of therapists to competently conduct psychotherapy.

Perception of recurrent risk versus objective measured risk of ischemic stroke in first-ever stroke patients from a rural area in China: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Risk perception is critical to the formation of individual health prevention behaviors. A long-term accurate perception of stroke recurrent risks is imperative for stroke secondary prevention. This study aims to explore the level of recurrence risk perceptions and the influential factors of inaccuracy between perceived and objective risk in first-ever ischemic stroke patients from a rural area.

METHODS

From May to November 2020, 284 first-ever ischemic stroke patients were conveniently recruited in a rural area of Henan Province, China. Perceived risk was measured based on self-reported using a numerical rating scale, whereas the objective risk was measured by the Essen Stroke Risk Score. Patients' perceived risk was compared with their objective risk and categorized as "Accurate," "Underestimated," and "Overestimated." The influencing factors of inaccuracy were further evaluated using multivariate regression analyses.

RESULTS

46% of the participants underestimated their stroke risk, while 15.9% overestimated their risks. Patients who were younger (≤65 years), didn't worry about recurrent stroke, and had a low actual recurrent risk were more likely to underestimate their recurrent risk. Patients who were employed, had lower independence, and had greater anxiety were more likely to overestimate their recurrent risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of participants were unable to accurately perceive their own risk of stroke recurrence. Patients' age, working status, worry about recurrent stroke, actual recurrent risk, level of dependence, and anxiety played a role in perception inaccuracy.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The findings could help healthcare providers gain a better understanding of the level and accuracy of recurrence risk perceptions among first-ever stroke patients in the rural area. Future counseling on the perceived risk of stroke recurrence and individual objective risk assessment could be conducted to help patients better understand their risk of recurrence. Individualized risk communication and multidisciplinary teamwork can be developed to improve the accuracy of recurrence risk perceptions and health behaviors.

Study protocol of ConquerFear-HK: a randomised controlled trial of a metacognition-based, manualised intervention for fear of cancer recurrence among Chinese cancer survivors

INTRODUCTION

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a prevalent and frequently debilitating response to a cancer diagnosis, affecting a substantial proportion of cancer survivors. Approximately 30% of local Hong Kong Chinese cancer survivors in a recent survey reportedly experienced persistent high FCR over the first-year post-surgery. This was associated with lower levels of psychological well-being and quality of life. A manualised intervention (ConquerFear) developed primarily based on the Self-Regulatory Executive Function Model and the Rational Frame Theory, has been found to reduce FCR effectively among Caucasian cancer survivors. The intervention now has been adapted to a Chinese context; ConquerFear-HK. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate its efficacy vs a standard-survivorship-care control (BasicCancerCare) in FCR improvement in a randomised control trial (RCT).

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

In this RCT, using the sealed envelope method, 174 eligible Chinese cancer survivors will be randomised to either the ConquerFear-HK or BasicCancerCare intervention. Both interventions include six sessions over 10 weeks, which will be delivered via face to face or online by trained therapists. The ConquerFear-HK intervention incorporates value classification, metacognitive therapy, attentional training, detached mindfulness and psychoeducation; BasicCancerCare includes relaxation training, dietary and physical activity consultations. Participants will be assessed at prior randomisation (baseline; T0), immediately postintervention (T1), 3 months (T2) and 6 months postintervention (T3) on the measures of FCR (Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory) as a primary outcome; metacognition (30-item Metacognitions Quesionnaire) and cognitive attentional syndrome (Cognitive-attentional Syndrome Questionnaire) as process outcomes; psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), cancer-related distress (Chinese Impact of Events Scale), quality of life (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire) and treatment satisfaction are secondary outcomes.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval has been obtained from HKU/HA HKW Institutional Review Board (ref: UW19-183). The patients/participants provide their written informed consent to participate in this study. The study results will be disseminated through international peer-review publications and conference presentations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04568226.

Anxiety trajectories among cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic

PURPOSE

To describe trajectories of general and bodily vigilance anxiety among cancer survivors during COVID-19 and examine associated factors.

DESIGN

Longitudinal survey study (May-December 2020).

SAMPLE

Colorado-based cancer survivors (N = 147).

METHODS

Latent class growth analyses were used to examine trajectories for two types of anxiety (general and body vigilance), and to evaluate associations with fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), loneliness, and emotional approach coping.

FINDINGS

Anxiety levels remained stable over time. Most participants were best characterized by the mild general anxiety and moderate bodily vigilance anxiety classes. FCR predicted both general and bodily vigilance anxiety class, and loneliness distinguished between mild and moderate bodily vigilance anxiety classes.

CONCLUSIONS

Current cancer survivors experienced mild general anxiety and moderate body vigilance anxiety during the early pandemic with no detectable improvement over time, and FCR consistently predicted anxiety outcomes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL PROVIDERS

These findings provide insight into the anxiety profiles of cancer survivors during COVID-19 and possible therapeutic targets.

Health literacy among long-term survivors of breast cancer; exploring associated factors in a nationwide sample

BACKGROUND

Poor health literacy may hamper health management and long-term outcomes in breast cancer survivorship. Knowledge of factors associated with poor health literacy is needed to identify survivors in need of additional support and to improve the quality of health care, but is currently scant. Here, we explore health literacy and associated factors in a nationwide sample of long-term survivors of breast cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All survivors aged 20-65 years when diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer in 2011 or 2012 were identified through the Norwegian Cancer Registry, and invited to participate in the Survivorship, Work and Sexual Health (SWEET) study. Health literacy was measured using The European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire-12 (HLS-EU-Q12) and analyzed as a continuous and categorical variable. Associations between health literacy and socioeconomic, physical, and mental health variables, including the most common late effects after cancer treatment, were explored in uni- and multivariable linear regression models.

RESULTS

The final sample consisted of 1355 survivors (48%) with a mean age of 60 years at survey (SD 8.7). Eight years had passed since diagnosis (SD.0.7), and the majority of survivors had high socioeconomic status. Advanced judgment calls concerning treatment and health risks were reported to be the most difficult for survivors to handle. Mean health literacy sum score was 36.2 (range 12-48, SD 5.4). Thirty-nine percent had intermediate, while 19.3% reported marginal or inadequate health literacy. Education, income, age at diagnosis, the personality trait neuroticism, and fear of cancer recurrence were significantly associated with health literacy in the multivariate model, explaining 12% of the variance in health literacy scores.

CONCLUSION

Low levels of health literacy were prevalent in this population-based sample of long-term survivors of breast cancer, despite high socioeconomic status. Communicating and interpreting risks seem to be especially challenging. Attention to health literacy at a societal and individual level is necessary in order to provide survivorship care of high quality.

Fear of cancer recurrence in peritoneal malignancy patients following complete cytoreductive surgery (CCRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): an observational study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is correlated with higher depression levels, worse quality of life and increased utilisation of healthcare services. There is no research on FCR in peritoneal malignancy (PM) patients-a rare type of abdominal cancer. This study aims to explore the prevalence, trajectory, demographic and clinical characteristics that are associated with FCR and its relationship with quality of life in PM patients.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a cross-sectional study. Validated measures will be used to collect data on the levels of FCR (Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Short Form) and quality of life (36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) of PM patients who have had surgery in the last 5 years at the Peritoneal Malignancy Institute in Basingstoke Hospital (minimum N=260). Descriptive statistics, Pearson χ² tests and correlational tests will be used to analyse the data.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was obtained from the HRA and Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW). The results of this study will be shared with the participants of this study, presented at conferences and PM patients' days in the form of presentations or posters, and published in a scientific journal.

DISCUSSION

The results of this exploratory study will be used to inform a multicentre observational study to explore the effect of FCR on PM patients' mental health (depression and anxiety), quality of life and healthcare utilisation which will inform a multicentre randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of using evidenced-based interventions to lower FCR in PM patients.

Measuring Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Survivors of Childhood Cancer: Development and Preliminary Validation of the FCRI-Child and FCRI-Parent Versions

OBJECTIVE

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a common and distressing psychosocial concern for adult cancer survivors. Data on this construct in child survivors is limited and there are no validated measures for this population. This study aimed to adapt the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Short Form (FCRI-SF) for survivors of childhood cancer aged 8-18 years (FCRI-C) and their parents (FCRI-P) to self-report on their own FCR and to examine the initial psychometric properties.

METHODS

The FCRI-SF was adapted through expert panel input and cognitive interviews with child survivors <18 years. The factor structure, internal consistency and construct and criterion validity of the FCRI-C and FCRI-P were examined in 124 survivors of childhood cancer (43% female; M_age =14.58 years, SD=2.90) and 106 parents (90% mothers).

RESULTS

All FCRI-SF items were retained for the FCRI-C with simplified language. The internal consistencies of the FCRI-C (α= .88) and FCRI-P (α= .83) were good. Exploratory factor analyses yielded one-factor structures for both measures. Higher scores on the FCRI-C and FCRI-P were associated with greater intolerance of uncertainty and pain catastrophizing. Higher child FCR was also related to more hypervigilance to bodily symptoms. Parents with higher FCR reported contacting their child's doctors and nurses and scheduling medical appointments for their child more frequently. Children reported significantly lower FCR compared to parents.

CONCLUSIONS

The FCRI-C and FCRI-P demonstrated strong reliability and preliminary validity. This study offers preliminary data to support the use of the FCRI-C and FCRI-P to measure FCR in survivors of childhood cancer aged 8-18 years and their parents. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Advance care planning in patients undergoing surgery to resect pancreatic adenocarcinoma: Underlying tension between balancing hope and realism

BACKGROUND

The timing and the dose of Advanced Care Planning in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma undergoing curative-intent resection are generally dictated by the surgeon performing the operation.

METHODS

A qualitative investigation using 1:1 interviews with 40 open-ended questions was conducted with a convenience sample of 10 high-volume pancreatic surgeons from across the country. The grounded theory approach was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 10 interviews were conducted with expert pancreatic surgeons-6 males and 4 females. During preoperative counseling, all surgeons attempt to motivate patients by emphasizing hope, optimism, and the fact that surgery offers the only opportunity for cure. All surgeons discuss the possibility of recurrence as well as postoperative complications; however, a majority perceived that patients do not fully appreciate the likelihood of recurrence or postoperative complications. All surgeons acknowledged the importance of end-of-life conversations when death is imminent. Seventy percent of surgeons had mixed opinions regarding benefits of preoperative Advanced Care Planning in the preoperative setting, while 20% felt it was definitely beneficial, particularly that delivery of care aligned with patient goals. All surgeons emphasized that Advanced Care Planning should be led by a physician who both knows the patient well and understands the nuances of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma management. Most common barriers to in-depth Advanced Care Planning discussion reported by surgeons include taking away hope, lack of time, and concern for sending "mixed messages."

CONCLUSION

We identified that surgeons experience a fundamental tension between promoting realistic long-term goals and expectations versus focusing on hope and enabling an overly optimistic perception of prognosis.

Clinical Uncertainty and Equipoise in the Management of Recurrent Glioblastoma

BACKGROUND

A significant proportion of glioblastoma (GBM) patients are considered for repeat resection, but evidence regarding best management remains elusive. Our aim was to measure the degree of clinical uncertainty regarding reoperation for patients with recurrent GBM.

METHODS

We first performed a systematic review of agreement studies examining the question of repeat resection for recurrent GBM. An electronic portfolio of 37 pathologically confirmed recurrent GBM patients including pertinent magnetic resonance images and clinical information was assembled. To measure clinical uncertainty, 26 neurosurgeons from various countries, training backgrounds, and years' experience were asked to select best management (repeat surgery, other nonsurgical management, or conservative), confidence in recommended management, and whether they would include the patient in a randomized trial comparing surgery with nonsurgical options. Agreement was evaluated using κ statistics.

RESULTS

The literature review did not reveal previous agreement studies examining the question. In our study, agreement regarding best management of recurrent GBM was slight, even when management options were dichotomized (repeat surgery vs. other options; κ=0.198 [95% confidence interval: 0.133-0.276]). Country of practice, years' experience, and training background did not change results. Disagreement and clinical uncertainty were more pronounced within clinicians with (κ=0.167 [0.055-0.314]) than clinicians without neuro-oncology fellowship training (κ=0.601 [0.556-0.646]). A majority (51%) of responders were willing to include the patient in a randomized trial comparing repeat surgery with nonsurgical alternatives in 26/37 (69%) of cases.

CONCLUSION

There is sufficient uncertainty and equipoise regarding the question of reoperation for patients with recurrent glioblastoma to support the need for a randomized controlled trial.

Fear of Cancer Recurrence and Inhibited Disclosure: Testing the Social-Cognitive Processing Model in Couples Coping With Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Withholding cancer-related concerns from one's partner (protective buffering) and feeling that one's partner is inaccessible or unresponsive to such disclosure (social constraints) are two interpersonal interaction patterns that separately have been linked to poorer adjustment to cancer.

PURPOSE

Guided by the Social-Cognitive Processing Model, we examined the joint effects of social constraints and protective buffering on fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in survivors and spouses. Social constraints and protective buffering were hypothesized to emerge as independent predictors of higher FCR.

METHODS

Early-stage breast cancer survivors and spouses (N = 79 couples; 158 paired individuals) completed up to five repeated measures of FCR, social constraints, protective buffering, and relationship quality during the year postdiagnosis. A second-order growth curve model was estimated and extended to test the time-varying, within-person effects of social constraints and protective buffering on a latent FCR variable, controlling for relationship quality.

RESULTS

As hypothesized, greater social constraints and protective buffering significantly (p < .05) predicted higher concurrent FCR at the within-person level, controlling for global relationship quality and change in FCR over time. The fixed effects were found to be similar for both survivors and spouses.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that interaction patterns resulting in inhibited disclosure are associated with greater FCR for both survivors and spouses, consistent with the Social-Cognitive Processing Model. This work adds to the growing body of research highlighting the social context of FCR.

Relationship between Patient Characteristics and the Timing of Provision of Explanation about DNAR to Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer

Objective The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between the patient characteristics and the timing of provision of an explanation about "Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR)" by attending physicians to advanced lung cancer patients. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with advanced or postoperative recurrent lung cancer in whom systemic therapy was initiated between 2015 and 2016. Results The data of a total of 74 patients with lung cancer, including 59 patients with non-small cell lung cancer and 15 with small cell lung cancer were analyzed. The median overall survival of the patients was 10.0 months. Records of the explanation about DNAR by the physicians were available for 57 of the 74 (77.0%) patients. For 48 (64.9%) patients, the explanation was provided after the discontinuation of anticancer treatment, and for 9 (12.2%) patients, it was provided during the course of anticancer treatment. The provision of an explanation about DNAR during the course of treatment was associated with a poor performance status at the start of treatment (p=0.028), the tumor histology (p=0.037), the presence of driver gene mutation in the tumor (p=0.029), and shorter survival after the discontinuation of anticancer treatment (p<0.001). Conclusion The results suggested that the timing of provision of an explanation about DNAR was associated with patient characteristics and the predicted prognosis.

Relationships Between Fear of Cancer Recurrence and Lifestyle Factors Among Cancer Survivors

We examine the relationships between fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), physical activity, smoking status, and engagement in healthier habits in a US population-based sample of post-treatment cancer survivors. We used data from the 2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) Experience with Cancer Survivorship Supplement. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test the relationship of FCR to physical activity, smoking status, and engagement in healthier habits. In all analyses, MEPS survey weights were applied to account for the survey design. Compared with those reporting no FCR, survivors reporting high FCR had significantly lower odds of reporting that they were not currently smokers (odds ratio [OR] = 0.46; 95% CI 0.24, 0.91) and those with any level of FCR had significantly higher odds of reporting healthier habits since diagnosis relative to those with no FCR (low FCR OR = 1.97; 95% CI 1.36, 2.85; high FCR OR = 2.40; 95% CI 1.33, 4.32). FCR was not associated with the odds of reporting physical activity. Findings from this large population-based survey suggest that some of survivors' lifestyle factors may be related to their level of FCR. Understanding the effects of FCR on lifestyle factors may help survivors, survivorship care providers, and policy makers better understand important differences among cancer survivors and personalize interventions in clinical care.

Identification of Patient Needs and Preferences in Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis (PVNS) Using a Qualitative Online Bulletin Board Study

Introduction

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS), also known as giant-cell tumour of the tendon sheath (GCTT), is a rare, benign proliferative tumour affecting the inner lining of synovial joints and tendon sheets. Information on treatment needs of PVNS patients to inform drug development is currently scarce. We conducted an exploratory qualitative study with PVNS patients to generate insights into the objective and emotional aspects related to their medical journey and experiences of living with this disease.

Methods

A 4-day study using an online bulletin board (OBB), an asynchronous, online qualitative research platform, was conducted with patients recruited via physician referral who underwent screening questions to ensure eligibility for the study and willingness to participate. The discussion was moderated, was structured and allowed open answers in response to other participants’ posts.

Results

Eleven patients (4 from the USA, 4 from the UK and 3 from Canada; 45% female), aged 28–57 years, suffering from PVNS for 2–27 years participated in the study. Key patient insights from the study were: (1) pain was the topmost, spontaneous thought that the participants associated with PVNS, constituting a significant emotional and psychological burden; (2) surgery (arthroscopy) did not completely ameliorate symptoms associated with PVNS, as the relapse rate was high in these patients; (3) PVNS has a substantial negative financial impact on patients, their families and the healthcare system; (4) orthopaedic specialists/surgeons predominantly managed PVNS, as surgery is currently the only therapeutic option.

Conclusion

PVNS patients expressed an urgent need for a medical drug treatment, which can reduce pain, avoid relapses and provide an alternative to surgery, the current standard of care.

Electronic Supplementary Material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s12325-020-01364-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Disparities in risk perception of thyroid cancer recurrence and death

BACKGROUND

To the authors' knowledge, studies regarding risk perception among survivors of thyroid cancer are scarce.

METHODS

The authors surveyed patients who were diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries of Georgia and Los Angeles County (2632 patients; 63% response rate). The analytic cohort was defined by a ≤5% risk of disease recurrence and mortality (1597 patients). Patients estimated their recurrence and mortality risks separately (increments of 10% and endpoints of ≤5% and ≥95%). Both outcomes were dichotomized between reasonably accurate estimates (risk perception of ≤5% or 10%) versus overestimation (risk perception of ≥20%). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with risk overestimation, and the relationships between overestimation and both worry and quality of life were evaluated.

RESULTS

In the current study sample, 24.7% of patients overestimated their recurrence risk and 12.5% overestimated their mortality risk. A lower educational level was associated with overestimating disease recurrence (≤high school diploma: odds ratio [OR], 1.64 [95% CI, 1.16-2.31]; and some college: OR, 1.36 [95% CI, 1.02-1.81]) and mortality (≤high school diploma: OR, 1.86 [95% CI, 1.18-2.93]) risk compared with those attaining at least a college degree. Hispanic ethnicity was found to be associated with overestimating recurrence risk (OR, 1.44, 95% CI 1.02-2.03) compared with their white counterparts. Worry about recurrence and death was found to be greater among patients who overestimated versus those who had a reasonably accurate estimate of their risk of disease recurrence and mortality, respectively (P < .001). Patients who overestimated mortality risk also reported a decreased physical quality of life (mean T score, 43.1; 95% CI, 41.6-44.7) compared with the general population.

CONCLUSIONS

Less educated patients and Hispanic patients were more likely to report inaccurate risk perceptions, which were associated with worry and a decreased quality of life.

Study protocol: a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of therapist guided internet-delivered cognitive therapy (TG-iConquerFear) with augmented treatment as usual in reducing fear of cancer recurrence in Danish colorectal cancer survivors

BACKGROUND

Cognitive therapy has been shown to reduce fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), mainly in breast cancer survivors. The accessibility of cognitive behavioural interventions could be further improved by Internet delivery, but self-guided interventions have shown limited efficacy. The aim of this study is to test the efficacy of a therapist guided internet-delivered intervention (TG-iConquerFear) vs. augmented treatment as usual (aTAU) in Danish colorectal cancer survivors.

METHODS/DESIGN

A population-based randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing TG-iConquerFear with aTAU (1:1) in n = 246 colorectal cancer survivors who suffer from clinically significant FCR (Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory Short Form (FCRI-SF) ≥ 22 and semi-structured interview). Evaluation will be conducted at 2 weeks, 3 and 6 months post-treatment and between-group differences will be evaluated. Long-term effects will be evaluated after one year. Primary outcome will be post-treatment FCR (FCRI-SF). Secondary outcomes are global overall health and global quality of life (Visual Analogue Scales 0-100), bodily distress syndrome (BDS checklist), health anxiety (Whiteley-6), anxiety (SCL4-anx), depression (SCL6-dep) and sickness absence and health expenditure (register data). Explanatory outcomes include: Uncertainty in illness (Mishels uncertainty of illness scale, short form, MUIS), metacognitions (MCQ-30 negative beliefs about worry subscale), and perceived risk of cancer recurrence (Visual analogue Scale 1-100).

DISCUSSION

This RCT will provide valuable information on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of TG-iConquerFear vs. aTAU for CRC survivors with clinical FCR, as well as explanatory variables that may act as outcome moderators or mediators.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT04287218, registered 25.02.2020. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=&term=NCT04287218&cntry=&state=&city=&dist=.

A Qualitative Study of Smoking-Related Causal Attributions and Risk Perceptions in Cervical Cancer Survivors

OBJECTIVE

The prevalence of smoking among cervical cancer survivors typically exceeds what is found among women in the general population and other cancer survivors. Yet, there is a dearth of literature on risk and protective factors related to smoking among cervical cancer survivors, especially when it comes to identification of variables that are amendable to intervention. To help fill this gap in the literature, this qualitative study examines the nature of smoking-related causal attributions and risk perceptions in cervical cancer survivors who smoked at cancer diagnosis.

METHODS

Participants are 21 female cervical cancer survivors (M=45.7, SD=8.4 years old), all diagnosed in the past five years. Nearly three-quarters of participants reported smoking in the past month.

RESULTS

Smoking was not uniformly recognized as a cause of cervical cancer (whether in general or participants' own cancer); the link between smoking and lung, head-neck, and other cancers was more readily accepted. Despite generally weak endorsements of causal attributions, many participants reported smoking significantly increases risk for poor clinical (e.g., recurrence) and quality of life (e.g., pain) outcomes after cervical cancer diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest cervical cancer survivors may not fully understand or appreciate the role of smoking in cervical cancer risk whereas their beliefs about the role of smoking in cervical cancer prognosis are more well-formed. This study highlights the potential role of causal attributions and risk perceptions in understanding and addressing the smoking-related experience of cervical cancer survivors.

Long-term effectiveness of an E-based survivorship care plan for breast cancer survivors: A quasi-experimental study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a web-based survivorship care plan (SCP) computerized application (APP): (SCP-A) on women's unmet needs, fear of recurrence, symptom distress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

Women diagnosed with breast cancer, who had completed their primary treatment but less than 5 years without a sign of recurrence (N = 165) were randomized to a SCP-A or a control group. Self-reported questionnaires were completed by the both groups at baseline (T0), 5 weeks (T1), 3 months (T2), 6 months (T3), and 12 months (T4).

RESULTS

Controlling for relevant covariates, mixed effect model analyses revealed a significant decrease in women in the SCP-A group compared to the control group for total unmet needs since T3 (p < .004) and fear of recurrence since T4 (p = .02). Women in the SCP-A group also reported significant improvements in QoL at T4 (p < .001) relative to those in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Providing SCP using an information website application for women with breast cancer can decrease unmet needs, fear of recurrence, and improve quality of life during short-term and long-term use.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Web-based information that provides survivorship care plans for breast cancer survivors are beneficial.

Perceived cancer-related pain and fatigue, information needs, and fear of cancer recurrence among adult survivors of childhood cancer

OBJECTIVE

Pain and fatigue are under-researched late effects of childhood cancer and its treatment, and may be interpreted by survivors as indicating cancer recurrence. Moreover, unmet information needs for managing pain and fatigue may be related to fear of cancer recurrence. We investigated the complex relationships between perceived cancer-related pain and fatigue, unmet information needs for managing pain and fatigue, and fear of cancer recurrence.

METHODS

We surveyed 404 adult survivors of any form of childhood cancer (M = 16.82 years since treatment completion).

RESULTS

Many survivors reported perceived cancer-related pain (28.7%) and fatigue (40.3%), and anticipated future pain (19.3%) and fatigue (26.2%). These symptomologies were all related to unmet information needs for managing pain (18.8%) and fatigue (32.2%; all p's<.001). Survivors reporting unmet information needs for managing pain (B = .48, 95% CI = 0.19-0.76, p = .001) and fatigue (B = .32, 95% CI = 0.06-0.52, p = .015) reported higher fear of cancer recurrence than survivors reporting no information needs.

CONCLUSION

Survivors often have unmet information needs for managing pain and fatigue, and these unmet needs are related to fear of cancer recurrence.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Long-term follow-up clinics should assess pain and fatigue. Information provision about pain and fatigue may be an important tool to help manage fear of cancer recurrence.

Theoretical Rationale and Case Illustration of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Fear of Cancer Recurrence

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a common problem among cancer survivors and evidence-based interventions grounded in theoretical models are needed. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an evidence-based intervention for reducing health anxiety that could be useful to apply to FCR. However, there has only been one study of MBCT for FCR to date, and the theoretical rationale and practical application of MBCT for FCR has not been described. The purpose of this paper is to offer an evidence-based rationale for MBCT to treat FCR based on a health anxiety model; describe the process of adapting MBCT to target FCR; and present a case study of the adapted protocol for treating FCR in a young adult breast cancer survivor to illustrate its delivery, feasibility, acceptability, and associated changes in outcomes. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Coping with fear of cancer recurrence among ovarian cancer survivors living in small urban and rural settings: A qualitative descriptive study

PURPOSE

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a paramount concern among ovarian cancer survivors. Evidence shows that cancer survivors living in regional or rural areas have higher psychological morbidity; however, no known studies have explored how ovarian cancer survivors living in small urban and rural areas cope with FCR.

METHODS

In this qualitative descriptive study, a semi-structured questioning process was developed in accordance with Carver et al.'s conceptualization of coping. Focus groups or 1:1 telephone interviews were used to collect data from a convenience sample of ovarian cancer survivors. Participants completed a demographic form and the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory, and clinical information was extracted from hospital charts.

RESULTS

The average age of participants (n = 15) was 62.8 years (Range 51-76 years) and the average time since diagnosis was 2.7 years (Range 1-19 years). Most women had elevated levels of FCR. Five themes for coping were expressed by all women: 1) health care provider support; 2) knowing, trusting, and prioritizing self; 3) finding what works; 4) uniqueness and belonging; and 5) redirecting thoughts and actions. One additional theme was expressed by most women (n = 11): 6) preparing for the future.

CONCLUSION

Fear of cancer recurrence was a concern for most ovarian cancer survivors who used a variety of ways to cope. Results can be used to guide nurses' discussions with post-treatment ovarian cancer survivors or be used to inform refinement and development of resources to assist ovarian cancer survivors living in small urban and rural settings to cope with FCR.

Cost-Effectiveness of a Psycho-Educational Intervention Targeting Fear of Cancer Recurrence in People Treated for Early-Stage Melanoma

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the cost effectiveness of a newly developed psycho-educational intervention to reduce fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in early-stage melanoma patients.

METHODS

A within-trial cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis was conducted from the Australian health system perspective using data from linked Medicare records. Outcomes included FCR, measured with the severity subscale of the FCR Inventory; quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) measured using the preference-based instrument, Assessment of Quality of Life-8 Dimensions (AQoL-8D) and 12-month survival. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated for two economic outcomes: (1) cost per additional case of 'high' FCR avoided and (2) cost per QALY gained. Means and 95% CIs around the ICER were generated from non-parametric bootstrapping with 1000 replications.

RESULTS

A total of 151 trial participants were included in the economic evaluation. The mean cost of the psycho-educational intervention was AU$1614 per participant, including intervention development costs. The ICER per case of high FCR avoided was AU$12,903. The cost-effectiveness acceptability curve demonstrated a 78% probability of the intervention being cost effective relative to the control at a threshold of AU$50,000 per extra person avoiding FCR. The ICER per QALY gained was AU$116,126 and the probability of the intervention being cost effective for this outcome was 36% at a willingness to pay of AU$50,000 per QALY.

CONCLUSION

The psycho-educational intervention reduced FCR at 12 months for people at high risk of developing another melanoma and may represent good value for money. For the QALY outcome, the psycho-educational intervention is unlikely to be cost effective at standard government willingness-to-pay levels. The trial was prospectively registered in the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (CTRN12613000304730).

Association of a Comprehensive Smoking Cessation Program With Smoking Abstinence Among Patients With Cancer

IMPORTANCE

Patients with cancer who smoke after diagnosis risk experiencing reductions in treatment effectiveness, survival rates, and quality of life, and increases in complications, cancer recurrence, and second primary cancers. Smoking cessation can significantly affect these outcomes, but to date comprehensive treatment is not widely implemented in the oncologic setting.

OBJECTIVES

To describe a potential model tobacco treatment program (TTP) implemented in a cancer setting, report on its long-term outcomes, and highlight its importance to quality patient care.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A prospective cohort of smokers was treated in the TTP at a comprehensive cancer center from January 1, 2006, to August 31, 2015. Data analysis was performed from November 2017 to December 2018. Participants included 3245 patients (2343 with current cancer; 309 with previous cancer; 593 with no cancer history) drawn from a population of 5061 smokers referred for treatment in the TTP. Reasons for exclusion included follow-up for a noncancerous disease, no medical consultation, smoked less than 1 cigarette per day; or died before the 9-month follow-up.

EXPOSURES

Treatment consisted of an in-person medical consultation, 6 to 8 in-person and telephone follow-up counseling sessions, and 10 to 12 weeks of pharmacotherapy.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Primary outcome was 9-month 7-day point-prevalence abstinence evaluated using time-specific (3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-ups) and longitudinal covariate-adjusted and unadjusted regression models with multiple imputation, intention-to-treat, and respondent-only approaches to missing data. The Fagerström Test for Cigarette Dependence was used as a measure of dependence (possible range, 0-10; higher numbers indicate greater dependence).

RESULTS

Of the 3245 smokers, 1588 (48.9%) were men, 322 (9.9%) were of black race/ethnicity, 172 (5.3%) were of Hispanic race/ethnicity, and 2498 (76.0%) were of white race/ethnicity. Mean (SD) age was 54 (11.4) years; Fagerström Test for Cigarette Dependence score, 4.41 (2.2), number of cigarettes smoked per day, 17.1 (10.7); years smoked, 33 (13.2); and 1393 patients (42.9%) had at least 1 psychiatric comorbidity. Overall self-reported abstinence was 45.1% at 3 months, 45.8% at 6 months, and 43.7% at 9 months in the multiply imputed sample. Results across all models were consistent, suggesting that, in comparison with smokers with no cancer history, abstinence rates within this TTP program did not differ appreciably whether smokers had current cancer, were a cancer survivor, or had smoking-related cancers, with the exception of patients with head and neck cancer; the rates were higher at 9 months (relative risk, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.11-1.56; P = .001) and in longitudinal models (relative risk, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.08-1.42; P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, mean smoking abstinence rates did not differ significantly between patients with cancer and those without cancer. These findings suggest that providing comprehensive tobacco treatment in the oncologic setting can result in sustained high abstinence rates for all patients with cancer and survivors and should be included as standard of care to ensure the best possible cancer treatment outcomes.

Patients' information needs and attitudes about post-treatment surveillance for colorectal cancer in the United States: a multi-perspective, mixed methods study

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine patients' informational needs for post-treatment surveillance and elicit clinicians' and patient advocates' (ie, stakeholders) opinions regarding what patients should know about post-treatment surveillance in the USA.

DESIGN

A mixed-methods study, using semi-structured interviews followed by a survey study.

SETTING

Participants for the interviews were from two large academic medical centres and a safety-net hospital. The stakeholders were recruited from attendees at the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology Network Spring 2016 meeting.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants for the in-depth interviews were purposively sampled. Eligible patients were 6 months to 5 years post curative resection for colorectal cancer and were fluent in English. Participants for the anonymous survey were stakeholders.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The main outcome was patients' with colorectal cancer informational needs for post-treatment surveillance, using an interview guide. The second outcome was the importance of the identified informational needs using an anonymous survey.

RESULTS

Of the 67 patients approached, 31 were interviewed (response rate=46%), the majority were between 1 and 3 years post-treatment (81%) and diagnosed at stage III (74%). Despite a desire to monitor for cancer recurrence, patients had little understanding of the concept of post-treatment surveillance, equating surveillance with screening and a belief that if a recurrence was found early there would be a higher likelihood of cure. The survey suggested that clinicians (n=38) and patient advocates (n=11) had some differing opinions regarding what patients should know about surveillance to be active in decisions. For example, compared with clinicians, patient advocates felt that patients should know recurrence treatment options (100% vs 58%) and likelihood for cure following recurrence treatment (100% vs 38%).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this exploratory mixed-methods study suggest that novel educational interventions targeting both patients and clinicians are needed to address the informational needs for post-treatment surveillance of colorectal cancer.

Patient-Reported Factors in Treatment Satisfaction in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM)

This article identifies factors associated with patient‐reported satisfaction with multiple myeloma therapy and the treatment‐related time burden and indirect costs among patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma and their caregivers. Improved understanding of these variables will inform treatment decisions across this complex treatment landscape.

Background.

Therapy choices in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) should consider patient satisfaction with treatment, because it is associated with adherence to therapy, health outcomes, and medical safety. The primary objective of this pilot cross‐sectional observational study was to ascertain factors associated with patient‐reported treatment satisfaction in RRMM.

Patients and Methods.

Patients with a self‐reported diagnosis of RRMM recruited from PatientsLikeMe, MyelomaCrowd, and Facebook were administered an electronic survey that included questions on demographics and clinical history, treatment experience, economic burden, and standardized patient‐reported outcome measures, including the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) measure, and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: Specific Health Problem V2.0. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to identify predictors of patient‐perceived treatment satisfaction.

Results.

One hundred sixty patients with RRMM participated in the study, with a median of two prior relapses and 66.3% reporting the most recent relapse within the last 12 months. ECOG PS ≥2 was associated with lower patient‐reported global satisfaction and perceived effectiveness of current treatment. In addition to shorter time spent receiving therapy, orally administered treatment was the strongest predictor of higher satisfaction with treatment convenience. For patients receiving an injectable drug‐containing regimen versus an all‐oral regimen, respectively, time spent receiving multiple myeloma‐directed therapy was higher (12.6 vs. 4.0 hours per month), and total monthly indirect costs were $1,033 and $241.

Conclusion.

Poor ECOG PS was linked to reduced treatment satisfaction and perceived effectiveness of current therapy, whereas an all‐oral regimen was associated with increased treatment convenience satisfaction.

Implications for Practice.

This study suggests that attributes including better Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, less time spent receiving treatment, and oral route of treatment administration lead to higher patient‐perceived satisfaction with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) treatment. Oral route of administration was also associated with less time spent receiving treatment and reduced economic burden for patients. Increased attention to these factors in shared treatment decision making is warranted to help identify individual patient needs, preferences, and expectations for RRMM treatments, to resolve dissatisfaction issues, and to improve the experience of patients with RRMM.

Late systemic symptoms in head and neck cancer survivors

PURPOSE

Neuroinflammation and central sensitization from cancer and its therapy may result in chronic systemic symptoms (CSS) such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, chronic widespread pain, mood disorders, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and temperature dysregulation. We undertook a cross-sectional study of CSS in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors to determine their frequency, severity, and impact.

METHODS

HNC patients without evidence of recurrence who were at least 12 months post-treatment completed a one-time battery of self-report measures including the Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom survey plus the General Symptom Subscale, the Body Image Quality of Life Inventory, Neurotoxicity Rating Scale, the Profile of Mood States, and a five-item quality of life measure.

RESULTS

One hundred five patients completed the surveys. Forty-eight point four percent of patients experienced one or more moderate-to-severe systemic symptom. The frequency of individual symptoms was between 20% and 56% with almost half of patients rating symptoms as moderate-to-severe in intensity. Low and high systemic symptom burden populations were identified. Previously undescribed chronic neuropsychiatric symptoms were also found to be frequent and severe. The vigor score on the POMS was low. Body image was not adversely impacted. At least 40% of HNC survivors have diminished quality of life, and up to 15% have a poor quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

CSS are common among HNC survivors and are frequently moderate to severe in intensity. Of note, previously underrecognized neuropsychiatric symptoms were endorsed by a significant cohort of patients warranting further study. Quality of life was diminished in a significant cohort.

Impact of an Interprofessional Primary Care Training on Fear of Cancer Recurrence on Clinicians' Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, Anticipated Practice Behaviors, and Attitudes Toward Survivorship Care

There are an estimated 15.5 million cancer survivors in the United States, with numbers projected to increase. Many cancer survivors are receiving survivorship care in primary care settings, yet primary care providers report a need for additional training on addressing medical and psychosocial concerns of cancer survivors. This paper presents findings from a pilot study on the effectiveness of a novel training for interprofessional primary care providers on the clinically significant issue of fear of cancer recurrence. The on-site training was provided to a total of 46 participants, including physicians (61%), physician assistants (11%), nurse practitioners (7%), nurses (17%), and social workers (4%) in six different primary care practices. The average number of years of professional experience was 18.8, with standard deviation of 10.9. Results of paired-sample t tests indicated that the training increased knowledge and self-efficacy of providers in identifying and addressing FCR. The training was well-received by participants, who had high confidence in implementing practice behavior changes, although they also identified barriers. Results suggest the feasibility of a brief training for continuing education and have implications for models of care delivery in cancer survivorship.

Longitudinal dyadic associations of fear of cancer recurrence and the impact of treatment in prostate cancer patients and their spouses

Background: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in patients and their spouses is associated with reduced quality of life, but little is known about longitudinal dyadic associations of FCR between them. This study examined (i) the trajectory of FCR from pre-treatment to 12 months later; (ii) dyadic associations of FCR over time; and (iii) whether cancer treatment type predicted later FCR among prostate cancer patients and their spouses. Methods: Sixty-nine patients and 71 spouses of patients with localized prostate cancer completed a FCR measure at baseline (pre-treatment), 6 months and 12 months later (post-treatment). A repeated measures linear mixed model was used to examine FCR trajectories. Actor-partner interdependence models (APIMs) were conducted on the 52 couples with complete data to examine actor and partner effects and treatment type on subsequent FCR. Results: Patients and spouses reported moderate FCR levels over time, though spouses' FCR was significantly higher than patients' FCR (p < .001). FCR declined significantly for both groups over time (p < .001). APIMs demonstrated significant actor effects in baseline to 6 month, and 6-12 month models. Surgery was significantly associated with lower spouse FCR at 6 months, and radiation with lower patient FCR at 12 months. Conclusions: This is the first study to have concurrently examined FCR longitudinally in prostate cancer patients and spouses. Patients' and spouses' FCR declined from pre- to post-treatment, with spouses experiencing greater FCR than patients over time. FCR in patients and spouses did not appear to impact one another over time. Treatment type impacted FCR in patients and spouses differently.

Persistent breast pain in post-surgery breast cancer survivors and women with no history of breast surgery or cancer: associations with pain catastrophizing, perceived breast cancer risk, breast cancer worry, and emotional distress

Background: Persistent breast pain (PBP) is prevalent among breast cancer survivors and has powerful negative psychological consequences. The present study provided a first test of the hypothesis that: (a) pain catastrophizing, (b) heightened perceived risk of cancer, and (c) worry that pain indicates cancer may be independent mediating links between breast cancer survivors' experiences of PBP and heightened emotional distress. Methodology: We assessed levels of PBP and psychological factors in breast cancer survivors (Survivor Group: n = 417; Stages I-IIIA; White = 88.7%; Age M = 59.4 years) at their first surveillance mammogram post-surgery (6-15 months). A comparison group of women without histories of breast surgery or cancer (Non-cancer Group: n = 587; White = 78.7%; Age M = 57.4 years) was similarly assessed at the time of a routine screening mammogram. All women completed measures of breast pain, pain catastrophizing, perceived breast cancer risk, and worry that breast pain indicates cancer, as well as measures of emotional distress (symptoms of anxiety, symptoms of depression, and mammography-specific distress). Analyses included race, age, BMI, education, and menopausal status as covariates, with significance set at 0.05. Results: As expected, PBP prevalence was significantly higher in the Survivor Group than in the Non-cancer Group (50.6% vs. 17.5%). PBP+ survivors also had significantly higher levels of emotional distress, pain catastrophizing, mammography-specific distress, and worry that breast pain indicates cancer, compared to PBP- survivors. Structural equation modeling results were significant for all hypothesized mediational pathways. Interestingly, comparisons of PBP+ to PBP- women in the Non-cancer Group showed similar results. Conclusion: These findings suggest the importance of (a) pain catastrophizing, (b) perceived breast cancer risk and, (c) worry that breast pain may indicate cancer, as potential targets for interventions aimed at reducing the negative psychological impact of PBP in post-surgery breast cancer survivors, as well as in unaffected women with PBP due to unknown reasons.

Threat sensitivity and fear of cancer recurrence: a daily diary study of reactivity and recovery as patients and spouses face the first mammogram post-diagnosis

OBJECTIVES

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a top concern of breast cancer (BC) survivors and their spouses, yet little is known about responses to FCR triggers in daily life. We examined whether a biologically based individual difference-threat sensitivity-predicted FCR in couples facing the first post-diagnosis mammogram (MMG). We hypothesized that threat sensitivity would predict greater FCR reactivity before the MMG and higher peak FCR on the MMG day, controlling for global anxiety. We also explored the link between threat sensitivity and FCR recovery after MMG.

DESIGN AND SAMPLE

Fifty-seven early-stage BC patients and their spouses completed cross-sectional measures of threat sensitivity and global anxiety. Couples then reported daily FCR during a 3-week diary period that began 2 weeks before the patient's MMG appointment.

METHODS

Multilevel actor-partner interdependence modeling was used to estimate within-person random slopes of FCR before (reactivity) and after (recovery) the MMG. Random intercepts captured individual differences in peak FCR on the MMG day. Patient and spouse threat sensitivity and anxiety were entered as predictors of reactivity, peak, and recovery.

FINDINGS

FCR increased leading to MMG; however, inconsistent with hypotheses, this reactivity was not significantly predicted by threat sensitivity. Actor, but not partner, effects for peak FCR emerged, such that patients and spouses with greater threat sensitivity had greater FCR on the MMG day. FCR decreased after the MMG, and spouse, but not patient, threat sensitivity predicted slower recovery for both partners.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings lend preliminary support for the role of threat sensitivity in the experience of FCR as couples confront threatening events in BC survivorship. Implications for psychosocial providers: MMGs can be a triggering event for couples. Threat sensitivity may help identify those who are likely to experience elevations in FCR during this stressful period.

Quality of life and fear of cancer recurrence in T1 colorectal cancer patients treated with endoscopic or surgical tumor resection

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To optimize therapeutic decision-making in early invasive colorectal cancer (T1 CRC) patients, it is important to elicit the patient's perspective next to considering medical outcome. Because empirical data on patient-reported impact of different treatment options are lacking, we evaluated patients' quality of life, perceived time to recovery, and fear of cancer recurrence after endoscopic or surgical treatment for T1 CRC.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we selected patients with histologically confirmed T1 CRC who participated in the Dutch Bowel Cancer Screening Programme and received endoscopic or surgical treatment between January 2014 and July 2017. Quality of life was measured using the European Organization for Research and Treatment 30-item Core Quality of Life Questionnaire and the 5-level EuroQoL 5-dimension questionnaire. We used the Cancer Worry Scale (CWS) to evaluate patients' fear of cancer recurrence. A question on perceived time to recovery after treatment was also included in the set of questionnaires sent to patients.

RESULTS

Of all 119 eligible patients, 92.4% responded to the questionnaire (endoscopy group, 55/62; surgery group, 55/57). Compared with the surgery group, perceived time to recovery was on average 3 months shorter in endoscopically treated patients after adjustment for confounders (19.9 days vs 111.3 days; P = .001). The 2 treatment groups were comparable with regard to global quality of life, functioning domains, and symptom severity scores. Moreover, patients in the endoscopy group did not report more fear of cancer recurrence than those in the surgery group (CWS score, 0-40; endoscopy 7.6 vs surgery 9.7; P = .140).

CONCLUSIONS

From the patient's perspective, endoscopic treatment provides a quicker recovery than surgery, without provoking more fear of cancer recurrence or any deterioration in quality of life. These results contribute to the shared therapeutic decision-making process of clinicians and T1 CRC patients.

A correlation study of fear of cancer recurrence, illness representation, self-regulation, and quality of life among gynecologic cancer survivors in Taiwan

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the correlations among fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), illness representation (IR), self-regulation (SR), and quality of life (QOL) in gynecologic cancer survivors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 287 participants recruited from a medical center in northern Taiwan. Four questionnaires, the Assessment of Survivor Concerns (ASC), the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), the Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ), and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer's Quality-of-Life Questionnaire-Core 30-item (EORTC QLQ-C30), were used to assess FCR, IR, SR, and QOL respectively. Data pertaining to socio-demographic characteristics and self-reported medical status was also collected from the participants. Stepwise regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of QOL.

RESULTS

The results showed that FCR (r = -.21, P < .01) and IR (r = -.44, P < .01) was negatively correlated with global QOL subscale of the EORTC QLQ-C30. SR, IR, and health status in the self-reported medical status explained 39% of the variance in global QOL, with SR of the largest.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provided valuable information to healthcare professionals about the ability of SR to affect QOL and negative impacts of FCR and IR on gynecologic cancer survivors.

Patient-reported outcomes of blue-light flexible cystoscopy with hexaminolevulinate in the surveillance of bladder cancer: results from a prospective multicentre study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate blue-light flexible cystoscopy (BLFC) with hexaminolevulinate in the office surveillance of patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer with a high risk of recurrence by assessing its impact on pain, anxiety, subjective value of the test and patient willingness to pay.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective, multicentre, phase III study was conducted during which the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Anxiety, Pain and 'Was It Worth It' questionnaires were administered at baseline, after surveillance with BLFC and after resection for those referred to the operating room. Comparisons of scores were performed between groups.

RESULTS

A total of 304 patients were enrolled, of whom 103 were referred for surgical examination. Of these, 63 were found to have histologically confirmed malignancy. Pain levels were low throughout the study. Anxiety levels decreased after BLFC (∆ = -2.6), with a greater decrease among those with negative pathology results (P = 0.051). No differences in anxiety were noted based on gender, BLFC results, or test performance (true-positive/false-positive). Most patients found BLFC 'worthwhile' (94%), would 'do it again' (94%) and 'would recommend it to others' (91%), with no differences based on BLFC results or test performance. Most patients undergoing BLFC (76%) were willing to pay out of pocket.

CONCLUSIONS

Anxiety decreased after BLFC in patients with negative pathology, including patients with false-positive results. Most of the patients undergoing BLFC were willing to pay out of pocket, found the procedure worthwhile and would recommend it to others, irrespective of whether they had a positive BLFC result or whether this was false-positive after surgery.

Survivor clinic attendance among pediatric- and adolescent-aged survivors of childhood cancer

PURPOSE

Childhood cancer survivors need regular, risk-adapted, long-term survivor care. This retrospective study describes the proportion of survivors seen for an initial survivor clinic visit within a large pediatric oncology program.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with non-central nervous system childhood malignancies from 2007 to 2012 were followed from the time of survivor clinic eligibility (2 years following completion of therapy) through their initial survivor clinic visit or end of study. Demographic, cancer-related, and logistical factors related to clinic attendance were examined using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional regressions.

RESULTS

Eligible survivors were 53.0% male, 51.5% non-Hispanic white, and 30.9% survivors of leukemia. Among the 866 eligible survivors for this study, 610 (70.4%) completed their initial visit. After controlling for sex and time eligible, survivors who received surgery only (aHR 0.04 (0.02, 0.08)) or radiation only (0.24 (0.15, 0.39)) and who had Medicaid (0.77 (0.64, 0.92)) were significantly less likely to have an initial visit as were those of black or other/mixed race and those who lived > 25 mi from the clinic (p < 0.01). Survivors aged 6-11 years or 12-17 years at eligibility were significantly more likely to complete an initial visit as compared to those aged 2-5 years (1.55 (1.24, 1.93) and 1.44 (1.14, 1.83), respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly a third of survivors were not seen in a pediatric survivor clinic despite the importance of survivor care. These results identify populations at risk for not pursuing long-term survivorship care.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Failure to transition to pediatric survivor care may lead to lifelong non-engagement and incorrect perceptions about future health.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Fear of Cancer Recurrence: A Case Study

This case study describes the course and content of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for clinical fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in a breast cancer survivor. The CBT for clinical FCR consisted of seven face-to-face therapy sessions and one telephone session. The primary treatment goal was to reduce FCR severity by modifying cognitive processes and dysfunctional behavior. Assessments of FCR and quality of life were completed by the breast cancer survivor pre-therapy, post-therapy, and at 6 and 12 months of post-therapy. In each treatment session, perceived control over FCR was assessed. A clinical nurse specialist participated in evaluation interviews. The patient's perceived control over FCR increased during the therapy, and FCR severity declined to a non-clinical level. This improvement was still evident at the 6- and 12-month follow-up assessments and was supported by results for secondary and exploratory outcomes measures. FCR offers a great challenge for health care professionals due to the lack of effective treatment options. This case study shows how clinical FCR can be addressed with CBT and can contribute to the improvement of care for cancer survivors.

Smartphone problem-solving and behavioural activation therapy to reduce fear of recurrence among patients with breast cancer (SMartphone Intervention to LEssen fear of cancer recurrence: SMILE project): protocol for a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

One of the most common distressing conditions experienced by breast cancer survivors is fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). There is, however, no standard intervention for ameliorating FCR. Our clinical experience and previous studies have suggested the potential benefits of problem-solving therapy (PST) and behavioural activation (BA). Given the huge number of cancer survivors and limited number of therapists to competently conduct PST and BA, we have developed PST and BA smartphone applications. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the smartphone-based PST (Kaiketsu-App) and BA (Genki-App) apps in reducing FCR in patients with breast cancer.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The SMartphone Intervention to LEssen fear of cancer recurrence project is an open-label, individually randomised, parallel-group trial. Allocation will be managed by a central server using a computer-generated random allocation sequence provided by an independent data centre. Participants will be randomised to smartphone-based intervention plus treatment as usual (TAU) or waitlist control with TAU alone. The primary endpoint of the study is the Japanese version of the Concerns About Recurrence Scale, which will be administered as an electronic patient-reported outcome on the patients' smartphone after 8 weeks.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The present study is subject to the ethical guidelines for clinical studies published by Japan's Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the modified Act on the Protection of Personal Information as well as the ethical principles established for research on humans stipulated in the Declaration of Helsinki and further amendments thereto. The protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Nagoya City University on 15 January 2018 (ID: 60-00-1171).

TRIAL STATUS

The randomised trial, which commenced on 2 April 2018, currently enrols participants. The estimated end date for this study is in March 2020.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

UMIN000031140; Pre-results.

Mind-body interventions for fear of cancer recurrence: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a common existential concern and source of distress among adults with a cancer history. Multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have examined mind-body approaches to mitigating FCR. We summarized characteristics of these trials and calculated their pooled effects on decreasing FCR.

METHODS

Six electronic databases were systematically searched from inception to May 2017, using a strategy that included multiple terms for RCTs, cancer, mind-body medicine, and FCR. Data extraction and reporting followed Cochrane and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Pooled effect sizes on self-report measures of FCR were computed by using random-effects models.

RESULTS

Nineteen RCTs (pooled N = 2806) were included. Most studies (53%) were published since 2015 and targeted a single cancer type (84%; mostly breast). Intervention sessions (median = 6, mode = 4) tended to last 120 minutes and occur across 1.5 months. Delivery was predominantly in-person (63%) to either groups (42%) or individuals (42%). Most interventions incorporated multiple mind-body components (53%), commonly cognitive-behavioral skills (58%), or meditative practices (53%). Small-to-medium pooled effect sizes were observed postintervention (Hedges' g = -0.36, 95% CI = -0.49, -0.23, P < .001) and at follow-up assessments (median = 8 months, P < .001). Potential modifiers (control group design, group/individual delivery, use of cognitive-behavioral or mindfulness skills, number of mind-body components, cancer treatment status, and number of sessions) did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Mind-body interventions are efficacious for reducing FCR, with small-to-medium effect sizes that persist after intervention delivery ends. Recommendations include testing effects among survivors of various cancers and exploring the optimal integration of mind-body practices for managing fundamental uncertainties and fears during cancer survivorship.

Fear of cancer recurrence trajectory during radiation treatment and follow-up into survivorship of patients with breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) has been shown to be higher in patients treated with external beam radiotherapy (RT) compared to those untreated. However, little is known about the dynamics of patient's FCR during and after RT. The aim of this study was to examine FCR levels in a longitudinal panel design with breast cancer patients receiving RT.

METHODS

Consecutive newly-diagnosed breast cancer patients (n = 94) attending a single cancer centre were invited to complete a 7-item FCR scale (FCR7) that was collected weekly by paper instrument and at a follow-up phone call 6-8 weeks after completion of RT. Descriptive statistics, and Latent Growth Curve Modelling (LGCM) were utilised to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Women who were younger, single/separated, had chemotherapy, had extra boost radiation treatment, taking Herceptin and treated by 4-field technique reported higher recurrence fear at baseline. There was strong evidence of substantial variation in the trajectory of FCR (z = - 3.54, p < .0001). The average trajectory of FCR over RT was negative (unstandardized estimate = - 0.59) and associated with FCR follow-up level (standardised estimate = 0.36, z = 3.05, p < .002), independent of baseline recurrence fears.

CONCLUSION

Patients vary in their trajectory of recurrence fears over RT which predicts FCR approximately 2 months following treatment. Review appointments by therapy radiographers presents an opportunity to intervene in FCR trajectories.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02599506 . Prospectively registered on 11th March 2015.