Fear of cancer recurrence and coping attitudes of breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the fear of cancer recurrence levels and coping orientation of breast cancer survivors.Methods: This descriptive exploratory study was conducted using a web-based online survey. This article is written using the STROBE checklist. The study was completed with 204 women participants. Data were collected using the 'Demographic and Clinical Information Form', 'Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI)' and 'Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory-Revised (COPE-R)'.Results: FCRI total score average within the scope of the study was calculated as 42.00 ± 18.88. Women's COPE-R total score average is 80.62 ± 13.20. There was a positive correlation between FCRI total score and COPE-R (r = 0.183, p = 0.009).According to the results of multiple linear regression analysis, age, education level, CAM usage, getting psychological support and COPE-R subscales (accommodation, avoidance, self-punishment) were associated with FCRI total score. Conclusions:The fear of cancer recurrence experienced by breast cancer survivors was associated with their coping orientation. Determining the fear of cancer recurrence level and coping orientation of breast cancer survivors by healthcare professionals will guide the reduction of women's fear of cancer recurrence and further the development of adaptive coping orientation.

Catastrophizing Maladaptive Coping Affects the Association Between Viral Anxiety and Fear of Progression in Cancer Patients During COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Additionally, the presence of maladaptive coping techniques was indicative of increased fear of progression and depression. Similarly, in a previous study of patients with breast cancer, it was reported that fear of progression was associated with maladaptive coping strategies, such as avoidance and self-punishment [ 10 ]. Fear of progression in cancer patients was predicted by viral anxiety, depression, and/or catastrophizing, as a maladaptive coping strategy.…”

“…Similarly, in a previous study of patients with breast cancer, it was reported that fear of progression was associated with maladaptive coping strategies, such as avoidance and self-punishment. 10 Fear of progression in cancer patients was predicted by viral anxiety, depression, and/or catastrophizing, as a maladaptive coping strategy. We did not include, in the present study, whether or not a patient's treatment schedule had been delayed as a confounding variable in the mediation model, since the proportion of delayed patients is low (4.5%).…”

“…In a normal, non-pandemic setting, it has been found that pretreatment fears and optimism directly predicted the recurrence of cancer after treatment [ 9 ]. Healthcare professionals should assess patients’ fear of progression and coping mechanisms, in order to reduce their fear while further developing their adaptive coping skills [ 10 ].…”

“…9 Healthcare professionals should assess patients' fear of progression and coping mechanisms, in order to reduce their fear while further developing their adaptive coping skills. 10 A cancer patient's coping strategies can reduce psychological distress, and adaptive coping styles have been reported to be associated with lower cancer distress scores, anxiety, and depression, as well as higher quality of life scores, when compared to maladaptive coping mechanisms. 11 Among breast cancers patients, for example, depression was predicted by lower acceptance and increased catastrophizing.…”

The relationship between fear of cancer recurrence and posttraumatic growth: a meta-analysis

“…Moderate fear facilitates patient monitoring for signs of relapse and promotes active treatment and healthy behaviors ( Hawkins et al, 2010 ; Cincidda et al, 2022 ). In contrast, excessive fear not only causes negative coping ( Oztas et al, 2022 ), exacerbates psychological distress, and reduces quality of life ( Cincidda et al, 2022 ), but may also increase the incidence of adverse drug reactions ( Lu et al, 2023 ), prompting patients to over-seek medical care and increasing health care costs ( Otto et al, 2018 ). In the long-term follow-up of cancer patients, dealing with FCR is one of the most frequently mentioned unmet needs of many patients after surgery ( Dahl et al, 2013 ; Adashek et al, 2022 ).…”