scholarly journals Remote Psychological Interventions for Fear of Cancer Recurrence: Scoping Review

JMIR Cancer ◽  
10.2196/29745 ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e29745
Author(s):  
Clizia Cincidda ◽  
Silvia Francesca Maria Pizzoli ◽  
Gabriella Pravettoni
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Psychological Interventions ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Evidence Based Treatments ◽  
Behavioral Therapies ◽  
Fear Of Cancer

Background Patients with cancer and survivors may experience the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), a preoccupation with the progression or recurrence of cancer. During the spread of COVID-19 in 2019, patients and survivors experienced increased levels of FCR. Hence, there is a greater need to identify effective evidence-based treatments to help people cope with FCR. Remotely delivered interventions might provide a valuable means to address FCR in patients with cancer. Objective The aim of this study is to first discuss the available psychological interventions for FCR based on traditional cognitive behavioral therapies (CBTs) or contemporary CBTs, in particular, mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy, and then propose a possible approach based on the retrieved literature. Methods We searched key electronic databases to identify studies that evaluated the effect of psychological interventions such as CBT on FCR among patients with cancer and survivors. Results Current evidence suggests that face-to-face psychological interventions for FCR are feasible, acceptable, and efficacious for managing FCR. However, there are no specific data on the interventions that are most effective when delivered remotely. Conclusions CBT interventions can be efficacious in managing FCR, especially at posttreatment, regardless of whether it is delivered face to face, on the web, or using a blended approach. To date, no study has simultaneously compared the effectiveness of face-to-face, web-based, and blended interventions. On the basis of the retrieved evidence, we propose the hypothetical program of an intervention for FCR based on both traditional CBT and contemporary CBT, named Change Of Recurrence, which aims to improve the management of FCR in patients with cancer and survivors.

scholarly journals Remote Psychological Interventions for Fear of Cancer Recurrence: Scoping Review (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clizia Cincidda ◽  
Silvia Francesca Maria Pizzoli ◽  
Gabriella Pravettoni
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Psychological Interventions ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Evidence Based Treatments ◽  
Behavioral Therapies ◽  
Fear Of Cancer

BACKGROUND Patients with cancer and survivors may experience the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), a preoccupation with the progression or recurrence of cancer. During the spread of COVID-19 in 2019, patients and survivors experienced increased levels of FCR. Hence, there is a greater need to identify effective evidence-based treatments to help people cope with FCR. Remotely delivered interventions might provide a valuable means to address FCR in patients with cancer. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to first discuss the available psychological interventions for FCR based on traditional cognitive behavioral therapies (CBTs) or contemporary CBTs, in particular, mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy, and then propose a possible approach based on the retrieved literature. METHODS We searched key electronic databases to identify studies that evaluated the effect of psychological interventions such as CBT on FCR among patients with cancer and survivors. RESULTS Current evidence suggests that face-to-face psychological interventions for FCR are feasible, acceptable, and efficacious for managing FCR. However, there are no specific data on the interventions that are most effective when delivered remotely. CONCLUSIONS CBT interventions can be efficacious in managing FCR, especially at posttreatment, regardless of whether it is delivered face to face, on the web, or using a blended approach. To date, no study has simultaneously compared the effectiveness of face-to-face, web-based, and blended interventions. On the basis of the retrieved evidence, we propose the hypothetical program of an intervention for FCR based on both traditional CBT and contemporary CBT, named Change Of Recurrence, which aims to improve the management of FCR in patients with cancer and 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 Effect of Psychological Intervention on Fear of Cancer Recurrence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (31) ◽  
pp. 2899-2915 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina M. Tauber ◽  
Mia S. O’Toole ◽  
Andreas Dinkel ◽  
Jacqueline Galica ◽  
Gerry Humphris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Psychological Interventions ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Fear Of Cancer

PURPOSE Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a significantly distressing problem that affects a substantial number of patients with and survivors of cancer; however, the overall efficacy of available psychological interventions on FCR remains unknown. We therefore evaluated this in the present systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS We searched key electronic databases to identify trials that evaluated the effect of psychological interventions on FCR among patients with and survivors of cancer. Controlled trials were subjected to meta-analysis, and the moderating influence of study characteristics on the effect were examined. Overall quality of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE system. Open trials were narratively reviewed to explore ongoing developments in the field (PROSPERO registration no.: CRD42017076514). RESULTS A total of 23 controlled trials (21 randomized controlled trials) and nine open trials were included. Small effects (Hedges’s g) were found both at postintervention ( g = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.46; P < .001) and at follow-up ( g = 0.28; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.40; P < .001). Effects at postintervention of contemporary cognitive behavioral therapies (CBTs; g = 0.42) were larger than those of traditional CBTs ( g = 0.24; β = .22; 95% CI, .04 to .41; P = .018). At follow-up, larger effects were associated with shorter time to follow-up (β = −.01; 95% CI, −.01 to −.00; P = .027) and group-based formats (β = .18; 95% CI, .01 to .36; P = .041). A GRADE evaluation indicated evidence of moderate strength for effects of psychological intervention for FCR. CONCLUSION Psychological interventions for FCR revealed a small but robust effect at postintervention, which was largely maintained at follow-up. Larger postintervention effects were found for contemporary CBTs that were focused on processes of cognition—for example, worry, rumination, and attentional bias—rather than the content, and aimed to change the way in which the individual relates to his or her inner experiences. Future trials could investigate how to further optimize and tailor interventions to individual patients’ FCR presentation.

Randomized Trial of ConquerFear: A Novel, Theoretically Based Psychosocial Intervention for Fear of Cancer Recurrence

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (36) ◽  
pp. 4066-4077 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phyllis N. Butow ◽  
Jane Turner ◽  
Jemma Gilchrist ◽  
Louise Sharpe ◽  
Allan Ben Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Randomized Trial ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Attention Control ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
General Anxiety ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Fear Of Cancer ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Post Therapy

Purpose Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is prevalent, distressing, and long lasting. This study evaluated the impact of a theoretically/empirically based intervention (ConquerFear) on FCR. Methods Eligible survivors had curable breast or colorectal cancer or melanoma, had completed treatment (not including endocrine therapy) 2 months to 5 years previously, were age > 18 years, and had scores above the clinical cutoff on the FCR Inventory (FCRI) severity subscale at screening. Participants were randomly assigned at a one-to-one ratio to either five face-to-face sessions of ConquerFear (attention training, metacognitions, acceptance/mindfulness, screening behavior, and values-based goal setting) or an attention control (Taking-it-Easy relaxation therapy). Participants completed questionnaires at baseline (T0), immediately post-therapy (T1), and 3 (T2) and 6 months (T3) later. The primary outcome was FCRI total score. Results Of 704 potentially eligible survivors from 17 sites and two online databases, 533 were contactable, of whom 222 (42%) consented; 121 were randomly assigned to intervention and 101 to control. Study arms were equivalent at baseline on all measured characteristics. ConquerFear participants had clinically and statistically greater improvements than control participants from T0 to T1 on FCRI total ( P < .001) and severity subscale scores ( P = .001), which were maintained at T2 ( P = .017 and P = .023, respectively) and, for FCRI total only, at T3 ( P = .018), and from T0 to T1 on three FCRI subscales (coping, psychological distress, and triggers) as well as in general anxiety, cancer-specific distress (total), and mental quality of life and metacognitions (total). Differences in FCRI psychological distress and cancer-specific distress (total) remained significantly different at T3. Conclusion This randomized trial demonstrated efficacy of ConquerFear compared with attention control (Taking-it-Easy) in reduction of FCRI total scores immediately post-therapy and 3 and 6 months later and in many secondary outcomes immediately post-therapy. Cancer-specific distress (total) remained more improved at 3- and 6-month follow-up.

Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory--Danish Version

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ida Hovdenak Jakobsen ◽  
Mette Moustgaard Jeppesen ◽  
Sébastien Simard ◽  
Henriette Vind Thaysen ◽  
Søren Laurberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Danish Version ◽  
Fear Of Cancer
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