Exploring Fear of Cancer Recurrence in a Sample of Heterogeneous Distressed Cancer Patients with and Without a Psychiatric Disorder

Else M Bisseling, Félix R Compen, Melanie P J Schellekens, Belinda Thewes, Anne E M Speckens, Marije L van der Lee, Else M Bisseling, Félix R Compen, Melanie P J Schellekens, Belinda Thewes, Anne E M Speckens, Marije L van der Lee

Abstract

Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR) is a concern among cancer patients. Recent insights suggest that FCR should be viewed as a distinct syndrome. However, few studies have explored its overlap with psychiatric morbidity. We examined this overlap in a sample of distressed cancer patients. Self-referred patients (n = 245) were assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis-I disorders and the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Short Form. Proportions of patients with and without a psychiatric disorder meeting validated cut-offs for screening and clinically relevant FCR were compared. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was 36%. Clinically relevant FCR was found in 198 patients (81%). Patients with a current psychiatric disorder reported clinically relevant FCR more frequently (89%) compared to those with no disorder (77%). Of patients reporting clinically relevant FCR, the majority (61%) did not additionally meet the criteria for a psychiatric disorder. These findings suggest that there should be particular attention for patients with elevated levels of FCR, warranting FCR-specific treatment.Trial registry number Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02138513.

Keywords: Cancer; Fear of cancer recurrence; Oncology; Psychiatric disorder; Psychological distress.

Conflict of interest statement

Authors Else M. Bisseling, Félix R. Compen, Melanie P.J. Schellekens, Belinda Thewes, Anne E.M. Speckens, and Marije L. van der Lee declare that they have no conflict of interest.

© 2021. The Author(s).

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Source: PubMed

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