scholarly journals Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Stomach Cancer Survivors: Exploring Socio-Demographic, Physical, Psychological and Quality of Life-Related Factors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinyoung Shin ◽  
Dong Wook Shin ◽  
Jungkwon Lee ◽  
JiHye Hwang ◽  
Ji Eun Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Stomach Cancer ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Prevention Activity ◽  
Fear Of Cancer ◽  
Stomach Cancer Survivors

Abstract Background: This study aimed to evaluate factors related to the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in stomach cancer survivors.Methods: A total of 363 stomach cancer survivors were divided into three groups according to the Korean version of the FCR Index (FCRI). We compared the socio-demographic and cancer-related factors, communication within the medical team during treatment, care coordination, social support, physical symptoms, psychological distress, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and health promotion and disease prevention activity, which was defined as second primary cancer screening, osteoporosis evaluation, supplementary drug intake, dietary pattern, regular exercise, and smoking cessation, according to the levels of FCRI using the linear regression analysis after adjusting for age, sex, stage, time since diagnosis, family cancer diagnosis, and comorbidities.Results: An average of 7.3 years have passed since diagnosis. The highest FCRI group was younger or had a high percentage of family cancer diagnosis. Satisfaction for communication and care coordination, social support, HRQoL, and physical symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, and insomnia, were negatively associated with the FCR of stomach cancer survivors. Anxiety and depression were positively associated with the FCR. However, FCR was not associated with sex, time since diagnosis, cancer stage, treatment modality, socioeconomic status, or health promotion and disease prevention activity.Conclusions: FCR in stomach cancer survivors was associated with physical, psychological, and HRQoL factors rather than socio-demographic or cancer–related factors. Understanding the association between HRQoL, physical and psychosocial factors, and FCR may advance survivorship care for stomach cancer survivors.

scholarly journals Qualitative Findings Following Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Breast Cancer Survivors with Fear of Cancer Recurrence

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Shepler ◽  
Elizabeth Cottingham ◽  
Patrick Stutz ◽  
Shelley Johns
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Fear Of Cancer

Background: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) takes an emotional toll on cancer survivors and significantly undermines quality of life following treatment. During a randomized controlled trial of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for post-treatment breast cancer survivors with clinically significant FCR, we conducted qualitative interviews to glean a deeper understanding of the impact of ACT on survivors’ coping with FCR.  Methods: Breast cancer survivors (stage I-III) who had completed a 6-week ACT intervention were invited to share their experiences in semi-structured qualitative interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using a deductive approach. Participants received a $25 gift card for their time. Participants (n=16) were primarily White (81.3%) and college educated (68.8%), with a mean age of 57.3 (SD=11.1) and 75% had an income over $50,000.    Results: Prior to the study, survivors generally coped with FCR by denying their FCR or by attempting to control their fears through faith, lifestyle management, avoidance, and positivity. Survivors uniformly noted the sense of community they felt in their ACT group when listening to other survivors describe their own struggle with FCR. This common bond created a foundation that allowed survivors to embrace the ACT intervention and develop adaptive coping skills related to acceptance, present-moment awareness, and living consistently with one’s values. Survivors noted that these skills reduced the negative impact of FCR and other life challenges and improved quality of life compared to pre-study coping techniques.  Conclusion and Potential Impact: By building trust with other cancer survivors, participants were able to shift from attempts to ‘control’ FCR to a more ‘accepting’ approach to manage FCR and other life stressors. While research with a larger group of participants is needed, initial findings indicate that ACT may be a promising addition to care for cancer survivors. 

scholarly journals Perilla Oil and Bifidobacterium for Alleviating Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Breast Cancer Survivors: Study Protocol for a Three-Arm Phase II Randomized Controlled Study (POB Study)

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Yohei Sasaki ◽  
Mina Honyashiki ◽  
Takayuki Kinoshita ◽  
Akira Matsui ◽  
Ayako Nakashoji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Study Protocol ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Perilla Oil ◽  
Fear Of Cancer

The fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is the most common and most severe unmet need among cancer survivors. Safe treatments for the FCR that are easily disseminated are greatly needed. Our primary aim is a preliminary evaluation of the efficacy and effect size of perilla oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and Bifidobacterium, a probiotic, on FCR in breast cancer survivors after the completion of chemotherapy. This study has been planned as an exploratory clinical study (phase II) and will be conducted as a three-arm, 12-week parallel group, masked-rater randomized controlled trial. Fifteen participants will be randomized with 1:1:1 allocation to receive Bifidobacterium plus perilla oil, Bifidobacterium alone, or no intervention (control). Interventions will end within 12 weeks after the random allocation of each participant. The participants will be outpatients with invasive breast cancer aged 20 years or older whose chemotherapy was completed at least 6 months before registration; hormone therapy may be ongoing. The primary outcome will be severity of FCR at 12 weeks assessed by masked raters using the 4-item Concerns about Recurrence Scale concerning overall fear of recurrence. The study protocol for the current study is registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs031200029).

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