Fear of Cancer Recurrence: A Practical Guide for Clinicians

Oncology (Williston Park). 2018 Jan 15;32(1):32-8.

Abstract

With increasing cancer survival, fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is becoming a prominent clinical issue. FCR is prevalent, distressing, and long-lasting, and can negatively impact patients' quality of life, use of health services, and adherence to follow-up recommendations. Novel targeted therapies may increase risk of FCR because of longer treatment duration and follow-up, increased prognostic precision, and omission of treatment based on genomic status. Oncologists can assess and screen for FCR using validated measures; provide adequate information about prognosis, signs and symptoms of recurrence, and behavioral strategies for risk reduction and follow-up; and warn patients and families that FCR may be an issue in survivorship. It is important to normalize FCR and encourage patients to discuss it if it is a concern. Patients with severe FCR should be referred to psycho-oncology staff, who can apply some of the novel psychotherapeutic interventions that have emerged to address this condition.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Fear*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / psychology*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*