Fear of Recurrence in Cancer Patients and Its Relevant Factors

Objective To investigate the fears of cancer recurrence in cancer patients and to test its relevant influencing factors. Methods A total of 560 patients （80% breast cancer, 20% other cancer, i.e. colorectal and lung cancer, etc） were recruited from Guangdong General Hospital and Southern Medical University Nanfang Hospital. Participants were asked to complete a demographic information sheet, the short form of Fear of Progression Questionnaire （FoP-Q-SF）, the Patient Health Questionnaire （PHQ9） and the General Anxiety Disorder （GAD7）. Results In total 568 patients were approached and 560 of them participated the study, respond rate 98.6%. Mean FoP value was （29.32±7.91）. Stepwise linear regression showed that personality intendency, life stress level, scores of depression and anxiety, and childhood illness experience were main factors that influence individual FoP score （adjusted R²=0.385, F=70.969, P<0.001）. Conclusion Patients were more likely to report high fears in recurrence if they were negative in personality, had high levels of life stress, had anxiety or depression symptoms, or had childhood illness experience. Further psychological intervention should be provided to those who report high recurrence fears.