Fear of recurrence following head and neck cancer in the outpatient clinic

Abstract

Fear of recurrence (FOR) following head and neck cancer is one of the most frequent concerns of patients and is associated with psychological distress. The aims of this study were, first, to report the clinical characteristics of patients selected for FOR concerns on a patient concerns inventory (PCI) and, second, to compare the degree of FOR using a FOR questionnaire of those patients expressing FOR concerns on the PCI with those who did not. Two cohorts were used. The first comprised consecutive oncology patients attending clinics from August 2007 for 9 months (N = 123). These patients completed the PCI only. The second comprised patients attending the same clinic for over 4 months from October 2008 (N = 68), and this group completed both the PCI and the FOR questionnaire. FOR was the most frequently selected issue on the PCI (42%). There were no obvious differences in selecting FOR by patient characteristics. Those who scored 'a lot' or 'all the time' for questions 1-6 in the FOR questionnaire and responses (on a 10-point scale) of 7-10 for question 7 were deemed as having 'significant' FOR. In those raising the issue of FOR on the PCI, 79% (15/19) had significant problems compared to 24% (12/49) if they did not. FOR is a common concern and because it is not possible to identify patients based on clinical parameters, it is important to screen for FOR to direct patients to appropriate support and intervention.

Patient Concerns Inventory for head and neck cancer: Brazilian cultural adaptation

“…The item selected most often by patients was fear of their cancer returning (also named fear of recurrence, FoR), followed by dry mouth, chewing/eating, and the indication for a speech therapist and dentist. Other studies that used the PCI-H&N have also found FoR to be the most common concern that patients with HNC want to discuss in clinics, 10,21,22 especially in patients aged less than 65 years, who seemed to experience more significant FoR, 23,24 which is in accordance with the findings of our study. Using the PCI during clinical routine practice seems to "allow"/facilitate patients to talk about this heavy burden with the clinical team, which is usually not addressed during consultation and may cause detrimental effects on patients psychological well-being.…”

Experiences of Pain: A Longitudinal, Qualitative Study of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Recently Treated with Radiotherapy

“…This uncertainty was experienced as a source of worry in both interviews. In fact, worry about recurrence is common for HNC patients who have been declared cancer-free after recently undergone treatment (Rogers, et al, 2010).…”

A single-item screening question for fear of recurrence in head and neck cancer

“…Fear of recurrence (FoR) is described as 'the fear associated with the possibility the cancer will return or progress in the same or another part of the body' [1]. Fear of recurrence is a significant psychological problem and rates of up to 65 % have been reported [2].…”