Article written by Drd. Diana Todea.
Cancer has become one of the major global physical health concerns; nearly 734,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year, and by 2040, the number of diagnosed individuals is expected to increase by approximately 50% (WCD, 2023). Previous research indicates a growing number of cancer survivors, suggesting that this population will continue to rise (Gregory et al., 2024). Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is one of the most common concerns among cancer survivors, affecting between 22% and 99% of survivors. It is considered one of the most distressing consequences of an oncological illness (Simard et al., 2010). This fear is not a simple worry; it is a complex and profound concern that the disease might return or progress in another part of the body. It can also be viewed as a valid emotion, given that in many cases, the probability of recurrence is high, although there are also types of cancer with a relatively low likelihood of returning.
But what does fear of cancer recurrence truly mean, and how does it impact quality of life?
Research shows that this fear can persist even ten years after diagnosis, becoming a clinical issue with a significant impact on mental health and quality of life (Simard et al., 2013). The symptoms go beyond mere worry; patients may experience intrusive thoughts, intense emotional distress, and difficulties in daily life. For example, some individuals may start obsessively monitoring their bodies for potential signs of recurrence or avoid medical check-ups out of fear. Additionally, cancer survivors with high levels of FCR are more prone to develop psychological disorders such as depression or anxiety (Simard et al., 2015; Zhang et al., 2022).
How Can Fear of Cancer Recurrence Be Managed?
There are various therapeutic interventions effective in reducing FCR, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), meditation, and relaxation techniques. CBT is one of the most widely used methods, though the results may vary depending on the specific type of therapy applied (Hall et al., 2018).
How Can New Approaches Aid in Managing FCR?
Recent research suggests that a network analysis of symptoms may be key to developing more effective interventions. By identifying and addressing the most influential symptoms (e.g., intrusive thoughts), it may be possible to reduce the severity of the entire symptom network, leading to a significant decrease in fear of recurrence (Fodor et al., 2023).
What Can You Do If You Face Fear of Cancer Recurrence?
If you are a cancer survivor dealing with fear of recurrence, here are some practical strategies that may help reduce fear and improve your quality of life:
1. Establish healthy routines: A routine that brings joy and purpose can improve your mental health.
2. Maintain a close connection with your medical team: An open relationship with your doctor can provide reassurance and clarify your health status.
3. Adopt relaxation techniques: Practicing these techniques frequently can help you manage emotions and restructure intrusive thoughts.
4. Set short-term goals: Focus on what you can do right now by setting small, achievable goals that provide a sense of control.
5. Share your thoughts with others: Sharing experiences with people who understand what you're going through can be very helpful.
6. Seek specialized help: If the fear becomes overwhelming and affects your daily life, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of therapy can be effective in helping you better manage fear and intrusive thoughts.
7. Stay informed and realistic: Educate yourself about your illness and the probability of recurrence, using trustworthy sources and information provided by your doctor.
8. A message directly from a cancer survivor: “I can't control if and when cancer will return. But I can control what I do for myself today, and I choose to live in the present. It’s the best control I have over my life. So enjoy today and try to be kind to yourself.”
In conclusion, the fear of cancer recurrence is a complex reality faced by many survivors, and its impact should not be underestimated.
Our laboratory (LSCC) has made significant contributions to understanding this complex fear. If you would like to read more on this topic, we invite you to explore our articles:
– Fodor, L. A., Todea, D., & Podina, I. R. (2023). Core Fear of Cancer Recurrence Symptoms in Cancer Survivors: A Network Approach. Current Psychology, 42(28), 24795-24810.
– Podina, I. R., Todea, D., & Fodor, L. A. (2023). Fear of cancer recurrence and mental health: A comprehensive meta‐analysis. Psycho‐Oncology, 32(10), 1503-1513.
References:
Gregory, K., Zhao, L., Felder, T. M., Clay-Gilmour, A., Eberth, J. M., Murphy, E. A., & Steck, S. E. (2024). Prevalence of health behaviors among cancer survivors in the United States. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 18(3), 1042-1050.
Hall, D. L., Luberto, C. M., Philpotts, L. L., Song, R., Park, E. R., & Yeh, G. Y. (2018). Mind‐body interventions for fear of cancer recurrence: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Psycho‐oncology, 27(11), 2546-2558.
Pulumati, A., Pulumati, A., Dwarakanath, B. S., Verma, A., & Papineni, R. V. (2023). Technological advancements in cancer diagnostics: Improvements and limitations. Cancer Reports, 6(2), e1764.
Simard, S., Savard, J., & Ivers, H. (2010). Fear of cancer recurrence: specific profiles and nature of intrusive thoughts. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 4, 361-371.Simard, S., Thewes,
B., Humphris, G., Dixon, M., Hayden, C., Mireskandari, S., & Ozakinci, G. (2013). Fear of cancer recurrence in adult cancer survivors: a systematic review of quantitative studies. Journal of cancer survivorship, 7, 300-322.
Simard, S., & Savard, J. (2015). Screening and comorbidity of clinical levels of fear of cancer recurrence. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 9, 481-491.
World Health Organization. (2023). World Cancer Day 2023: Close the care gap. WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. https://www.emro.who.int/noncommunicable-diseases/campaigns/world-cancer-day-2023.html
Zhang, X., Sun, D., Qin, N., Liu, M., Jiang, N., & Li, X. (2022). Factors correlated with fear of cancer recurrence in cancer survivors: a meta-analysis. Cancer nursing, 45(5), 406-415.
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