Abstract
BackgroundFear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a significant issue for most cancer patients. Until now, a detailed investigation of the structure of FCR and the interaction among its constituent elements is lacking. This study aims to investigate the phenomenon of FCR by means of network analysis in Chinese cancer patients.MethodsThis is a multi-center, cross-sectional study that included 996 cancer patients from southern China. All participants were assessed by the 7-item Chinese version Fear of Cancer Recurrence Scale (FCR-7). Multivariate logistic regression, and network analyses were conducted. Central symptoms (nodes) in the FCR network were identified.ResultsAmong the 996 patients, 543 (54.52%) reported moderate FCR, and 137 (13.76%) reported high FCR. Chemotherapy (OR = 2.954, P = 0.016), and childhood severe illness experience (OR = 2.331, P = 0.016) were positively associated with high FCR, while higher monthly income (OR = 0.403, P = 0.046) was negative associated with high FCR. The node #FCR2 (Worried/anxious about recurrence) was the most central node within the FCR network (Strength = 1.190), while node #FCR6 (Examining for physical signs) was the least central node (Strength = 0.373). The edge FCR1-FCR2 (“Afraid”-“Worried/anxious”) was the thickest and most saturated edge in the network. After controlling for age and gender, an almost identical network was obtained with respect to edges magnitude and strength.ConclusionFear of recurrence is a frequently reported issue among Chinese cancer patients. Patients with chemotherapy and childhood severe illness experience were more vulnerable and should be particularly monitored. Compared to behavioral component (i.e., body checking, overscreening and overtreatment) and cognitive component (i.e., intrusions), emotional component (i.e., worry/anxious) is more central to identify FCR and might be potential targets for further interventions.
Highlights
Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a significant issue for most cancer patients, and it is a key unmet need among this population [1, 2]
Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that chemotherapy (OR = 2.954, P = 0.016), and childhood severe illness experience (OR = 2.331, P = 0.016) were positively associated with high FCR, while higher monthly income was negative associated with high FCR (Table 1)
This study showed that fear of recurrence is a frequently reported issue among Chinese cancer patients
Summary
Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a significant issue for most cancer patients, and it is a key unmet need among this population [1, 2]. There are four features that have been identified as core characteristics of clinical FCR: [1] high levels of preoccupation; [2] high levels of worry; [3] persistence; and [4] hypervigilance to bodily symptoms [6]. In 2013, Simard’s review reported that about 22 to 87% of the cancer survivors report moderate to high levels of FCR, while around 15% of them report high or clinical levels of FCR across different cancers [1]. Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a significant issue for most cancer patients. This study aims to investigate the phenomenon of FCR by means of network analysis in Chinese cancer patients
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
