Medical, demographic and psychological correlates of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) morbidity in breast, colorectal and melanoma cancer survivors with probable clinically significant FCR seeking psychological treatment through the ConquerFear study.
Allan 'Ben' SmithLouise SharpeBelinda ThewesJane TurnerJemma GilchristJoanna E FardellAfaf GirgisStephanie TessonJoseph DescallarMelanie L BellJane BeithPhyllis Butownull nullPublished in: Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (2018)
Results provide partial support for the cognitive processing model of FCR. Psychological factors were found to play an important role in FCR morbidity after controlling for demographic/medical factors. More intrusive thoughts and negative beliefs about worry were strong independent predictors of FCR morbidity. Cancer survivors with clinically significant FCR may benefit from assessment for intrusive thoughts and metacognitions and delivery of trauma- and/or metacognitive-based interventions accordingly.