Cancer Recurrence Survival Research Articles

A data-driven approach to improve wellness and reduce recurrence in cancer survivors.

For many cancer survivors, toxic side effects of treatment, lingering effects of the aftermath of disease and cancer recurrence adversely affect quality of life (QoL) and reduce healthspan. Data-driven approaches for quantifying and improving wellness in healthy individuals hold great promise for improving the lives of cancer survivors. The data-driven strategy will also guide personalized nutrition and exercise recommendations that may help prevent cancer recurrence and secondary malignancies in survivors.

Group-based trajectory modeling for fear of cancer recurrence in cancer survivors: a systematic review.

We aimed to systematically review studies that used a group-based trajectory modeling approach to explore the categories of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) trajectories and their predictors in cancer survivors. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. Three authors independently reviewed the literature for predefined eligibility criteria. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools for Cohort Studies and the Guidelines for Reporting on Latent Trajectory Studies were used to assess the quality of included studies. A qualitative synthesis of the included studies was performed. Ninety-eight studies were retrieved after removing duplicates, and 11 studies met the criteria for inclusion. There are four types of FCR trajectories: stable, decreasing, increasing, and stable-then-decreasing-then-increasing. The following factors were considered significant predictors of FCR trajectory category in at least one of the included studies: age, race, income, education, employment, cancer stage, physical symptoms, depression, anxiety, satisfaction with medical care, and selected cognitive and behavioral factors. There was considerable heterogeneity among the studies included in study design and FCR trajectory results. Factors that significantly predicted FCR trajectory categories mostly focused on psychological characteristics. The correlation of sociodemographic and disease-related predictors with FCR trajectory categories was not consistent among the included studies. We suggest that future scholars should incorporate more psychological factors when identifying cancer survivors who persistently maintain a high level of FCR and developing FCR mitigation measures.

A systematic review of randomised clinical trials - The safety of vaginal hormones and selective estrogen receptor modulators for the treatment of genitourinary menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors.

Therapies utilised in breast cancer management have been found to induce or worsen the genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM), a group of physical symptoms associated with the systemic loss of estrogen. These symptoms are often undertreated due to concerns surrounding cancer recurrence, especially when considering treatments with possible pro-estrogenic effects. As breast cancer prognosis continues to improve, clinicians are increasingly focussing on managing these symptoms amongst survivors. This systematic review primarily aimed to determine the risk of breast cancer recurrence amongst survivors using vaginal hormones and selective estrogen receptor modulator therapies recommended for use in GSM in the United Kingdom amongst currently published randomised clinical trials (RCTs). The secondary aim was to determine whether these RCTs demonstrated a significant rise in serum estrogen levels following the use of these therapies. A literature search revealed three RCTs suitable for assessment, two evaluating vaginal estrogen and one evaluating vaginal DHEA treatment. Our review determined that amongst published RCTs, no studies have aimed to assess for breast cancer recurrence; however among the studies observing for serious adverse effects of vaginal estrogen preparations, none have reported an increased incidence. Furthermore, these studies did not report a persistent or significant increase in serum estrogen levels following the use of vaginal estrogen products and low concentration (3.25mg/day) DHEA gel. Larger RCTs studying commonly used vaginal preparations and selective estrogen receptor modulator treatments for GSM over longer follow-up periods will be vital to better assess the risk of breast cancer recurrence in survivors receiving these treatments.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine for reducing fear of cancer recurrence among cancer survivors: Does it work?

ObjectiveFear of cancer recurrence is a significant psychosocial concern impacting the recovery and quality of life of cancer survivors. Many survivors turn to complementary and alternative medicine to manage drug side effects and alleviate anxiety and fear of cancer recurrence. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the use of complementary and alternative medicine and the fear of cancer recurrence in cancer survivors. MethodsThis cross-sectional descriptive correlational study involved 280 cancer survivors selected through convenience sampling from oncology centers and medical offices in Kerman. Research instruments included a questionnaire on complementary and alternative medicine usage and the fear of cancer recurrence inventory. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25. ResultsThe study revealed that 78.2% of participants had used at least one form of complementary and alternative medicine in the past year. Among these, 71.8% used medicinal herbs, 19.6% used nutritional supplements, 7.5% practiced relaxation and meditation, 7.1% utilized dry cupping, and 5.7% tried wet cupping. The mean score for the fear of cancer recurrence was 80.72 ± 18.46, which was close to the midpoint of the inventory score (84). Notably, fear of cancer recurrence and its associated dimensions did not exhibit significant differences between users and non-users of complementary and alternative medicine. ConclusionsThe results indicate that a substantial number of cancer survivors have utilized at least one form of complementary and alternative medicine in the past year, with medicinal herbs and nutritional supplements being the most common choices. It is essential for cancer patients to be informed about the potential effects of various complementary and alternative medicine approaches. The study found a moderate level of fear of cancer recurrence, with no discernible difference between users and non-users of complementary and alternative medicine. As a result, health managers and planners should implement effective psychological interventions and strategies to mitigate the fear of cancer recurrence among cancer survivors.

Association between self-esteem and fear of cancer recurrence in cancer survivors: A cross-sectional study

There may be a correlation between self-esteem as an important psychological resource for individuals and Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), but the relationship between the two is unclear. The aim of our investigation was to evaluate the association of FCR and self-esteem in cancer survivors. Cross-sectional sampling was used to select cancer survivors. The study instruments used included: General information questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale, Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory- Shorter Form. We used logistic regression, where models were adjusted considering confounding variables to determine odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association of FCR with self-esteem. Between February 2022 to July 2022, we screened 380 participants for eligibility, of whom 348 were included in the study. The percentage of cancer survivors who experienced clinical level of FCR was 73.9% and the self-esteem score was 27.73±3.67at a moderate level. The Pearson' s correlation coefficient indicated a significant inverse relationship between FCR and self-esteem (p<0.001; r=-0.375). In a multivariable logistic regression model, FCR still has a negative correlation with self-esteem (OR, 0.812; 95%CI, 0.734-0.898). Subgroup analysis indicated that the correlation between FCR and self-esteem in cancer survivors was nearly the same in various strata, demonstrating its soundness and stability. This study confirms that elevated self-esteem in individuals surviving cancer may be a protective factor for FCR. Improving the level of self-esteem in cancer survivors can be one of the important directions of clinical interventions for FCR.

Implementation study of a novel brief clinician intervention to reduce fear of recurrence in cancer survivors (CIFeR_2 Implementation Study).

e24183 Background: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is prevalent, persistent and a common unmet need. Patients indicate desire to discuss FCR with their oncologists, however most clinicians are not trained to manage FCR. Our team developed a novel clinician-driven educational intervention to help patients manage FCR (the Clinician Intervention to Reduce Fear of Recurrence (CIFeR) intervention). In earlier work, we demonstrated the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of CIFeR in reducing FCR in breast cancer patients.1 This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to implementing this low-cost brief intervention within routine oncology practice. Methods: This multicentre, single-arm Phase I/II implementation study recruited medical/radiation oncologists and surgeons who treat women with early-stage breast cancer. Participants completed online CIFeR training on importance of doctor-lead discussions and 5 steps on how to discuss FCR with video demonstration. Participants then incorporated CIFeR in consultations with suitable patients for the next 6 months. Questionnaires were administered at baseline (T1), immediately post-training (T2), then 3 month (T3) and 6 month (T4) after training to assess confidence addressing FCR and implementation outcomes. The primary outcome of CIFeR_2 was adoption (percentage of clinicians who offer CIFeR to at least one patient in routine practice within 3-months after training). Secondary outcomes were clinician self-efficacy in FCR management, perceived acceptability, feasibility, costs, barriers and facilitators of implementation. Results: 52 clinicians (30 medical oncologists, 13 radiation oncologists and 9 surgeons) consented to the study, of whom 35 completed CIFeR training and T2 questionnaires and 28/31 completed T3 and 20/24 completed T4 questionnaires. Mean age was 43±8.6, 75% were female. CIFeR was adopted by 86% of participants, and was utilised on average 4 (range 0-10) times by trained clinicians by T3. Participants reported CIFeR taking on average 7 minutes (range 2-15min) to deliver. CIFeR was deemed acceptable, appropriate and feasibile by participants at T3. Self-efficacy in managing FCR improved significantly across all domains from T1 to T2 (n = 35, p &lt; 0.001). Perceived difficulty with managing FCR decreased from 2.5 to 2.1 (p = 0.009) from T1-T3. Lack of time was the greatest barrier to CIFeR_2 implementation. Conclusions: A structured brief, low-cost clinician intervention to reduce FCR is useful, acceptable and improved self-efficacy with FCR management in clinicians. FCR training should be incorporated in communication skills training of oncologists and surgeons. CIFeR is currently being adapted to address fear of progression in patients with advanced cancer. Liu J, et al (2021) JCO Oncology Practice 17(6):e774-784. Clinical trial information: ACTRN12621001697875 .

Protocol of an implementation study of a clinician intervention to reduce fear of recurrence in cancer survivors (CIFeR_2 implementation study)

BackgroundFear of cancer recurrence (FCR) affects 50–70% of cancer survivors with 30% reporting an unmet need for help with managing FCR. Patients indicate desire to discuss FCR with clinicians, however clinicians indicate discomfort with managing FCR and no formal educational interventions on how to discuss FCR or worry exists for oncology clinicians. Our team developed a novel clinician-driven brief education intervention to help patients manage FCR (the Clinician Intervention to Reduce Fear of Recurrence (CIFeR) intervention). In earlier work, we demonstrated the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of CIFeR in reducing FCR in breast cancer patients. We now aim to explore the barriers and facilitators to implementing this low-cost brief intervention within routine oncology practice in Australia. The primary objective is to assess the adoption of CIFeR in routine clinical practice. Secondary objectives are to identify the uptake and sustainability, perceived acceptability, feasibility, costs, barriers and facilitators of implementation of CIFeR in routine clinical practice, and to assess whether training in CIFeR increases clinicians’ self-efficacy in managing FCR with their patients.MethodsThis multicentre, single-arm Phase I/II implementation study will recruit medical and radiation oncologists and oncology surgeons who treat women with early breast cancer. Participants will complete online CIFeR training. They will then be asked to use CIFeR with suitable patients for the next 6 months. Participants will complete questionnaires prior to, immediately after and 3 and 6 months after training to assess confidence addressing FCR, and 3 and 6 months after training to assess Proctor Implementation outcomes. At 6 months, they will also be asked to participate in a semi-structured telephone interview to elicit their feedback about barriers and facilitators to using CIFeR in routine clinical practice.DiscussionThis study will provide further data to support the routine use of an evidence-based, clinician-lead educational intervention to reduce FCR in breast cancer patients. Additionally, this study will identify any barriers and facilitators to implementing the CIFeR intervention in routine care and evidence for integration of FCR training into oncology communication skills education.Trial registrationProspectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12621001697875.Trial sponsorChris O’Brien Lifehouse.Protocol version2.6, Dated 28th February 2023.

Triggers and Coping Strategies for Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Study

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) has been demonstrated to be one of the most frequently reported unmet psychological needs among cancer survivors. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the potential triggers and coping strategies for FCR in Chinese cancer survivors. The study process was conducted using an interpretive phenomenological research method, and Chinese cancer survivors were interviewed face-to-face in a semi-structured interview, using purposive sampling combined with a maximum variance sampling strategy, and the interviews were transcribed, organized, and analyzed by applying Giorgi analysis with the help of NVivo11 software. A total of 10 participants, 4 males and 6 females, were interviewed. Three themes emerged in terms of potential triggers for FCR: (1) intrusive thoughts; (2) disease symptoms; and (3) awaiting medical examination. Two themes regarding positive coping and avoidance coping emerged with regard to coping strategies adopted by cancer survivors when experiencing FCR. Under these 2 themes were 5 sub-themes: (1) seeking medical support; (2) self-health management; (3) spiritual coping; (4) unaccompanied toleration; and (5) attention shifting. FCR as the most common psychological problem for cancer survivors, and it should be given more attention. Early identification and precise intervention for potential triggers of FCR may prevent the emergence and development of FCR. The guidance toward and cultivation of positive coping strategies when cancer survivors experience FCR could be an important direction in future nursing education.

Study protocol for the evaluation of Fear-Less: a stepped-care program for fear of cancer recurrence in survivors with early-stage disease

BackgroundFear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a significant unmet need amongst cancer survivors and is consistently associated with psychological distress and impaired quality of life. Psychological interventions for FCR, such as ConquerFear, have demonstrated efficacy in reducing FCR and improving emotional wellbeing. Unfortunately, there are barriers to the uptake of evidence-based FCR treatments in clinical practice. A stepped-care FCR treatment model may overcome these barriers and has demonstrated potential in people with advanced melanoma. This study aims to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and impact of a stepped-care FCR treatment model (Fear-Less) in people with other cancer types, who have completed treatment with curative intent.MethodsSixty people with early-stage cancer (defined as individuals who have received treatment with curative intent and with no metastatic disease) will be screened for FCR using the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory—Short Form (FCRI-SF). Individuals reporting moderate FCR (FCRI-SF between 13 and 21) will be offered a clinician-guided self-management resource; those reporting high FCR (FCRI-SF ≥ 22) will be offered individual therapy according to the ConquerFear protocol. Participants will complete purpose-built evaluation surveys assessing their FCR screening and intervention experiences. Clinicians will also complete a survey regarding their experiences of the treatment model. Fear-Less will be evaluated in terms of (1) acceptability (i.e., patient and clinician experience), (2) feasibility (i.e., referral uptake, treatment adherence, and time taken to screen and deliver interventions), and (3) impact (i.e., pre- to post-intervention FCR changes).DiscussionThe Fear-Less stepped-care model is a novel framework for screening FCR and stratifying survivors to the appropriate level of treatment. Our study will provide an indication of whether Fear-Less is a feasible and acceptable FCR model of care amongst survivors with early-stage disease and inform further investigations of this model.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR); ACTRN12622000818730.

Clinical interventions to break the obesity and cancer link: a narrative review.

Excess body weight is a significant risk factor for the development and recurrence of many types of cancer. Patients with a history or current diagnosis of cancer who are overweight or have obesity have an increased risk of cancer treatment-related morbidity, recurrence, and decreased quality of life. Weight loss and maintenance of a healthy body weight may reduce cancer morbidity and recurrence in cancer survivors. While guidelines for cancer survivorship elaborate sufficiently on lifestyle interventions, little guidance is provided when considering additional therapies like anti-obesity pharmacotherapy or bariatric surgery for weight loss. This review will highlight and address current recommendations and feasible interventions that clinicians may consider to further reduce the incidence and recurrence of cancer in patients with obesity.

Pain and Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Survivors of Childhood Cancer.

Theoretical models suggest that anxiety, pain intensity, and pain catastrophizing are implicated in a cycle that leads to heightened fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). However, these relationships have not been empirically examined. The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between anxiety symptoms, pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, and FCR in childhood cancer survivors and their parents and to examine whether pain catastrophizing predicts increased FCR beyond anxiety symptoms and pain intensity. The participants were 54 survivors of various childhood cancers (Mage=13.1 y, range=8.4 to 17.9 y, 50% female) and their parents (94% mothers). Children reported on their pain intensity in the past 7 days. Children and parents separately completed measures of anxiety symptoms, pain catastrophizing, and FCR. Higher anxiety symptoms were associated with increased pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, and FCR in childhood cancer survivors. Higher anxiety symptoms and pain catastrophizing, but not child pain intensity, were associated with FCR in parents. Hierarchical linear regression models revealed that pain catastrophizing explained unique variance in both parent (ΔR2=0.11, P<0.01) and child (ΔR2=0.07, P<0.05) FCR over and above the effects of their own anxiety symptoms and child pain. The results of this study provides novel data on the association between pain and FCR and suggests that a catastrophic style of thinking about pain is more closely related to heightened FCR than one's anxiety symptoms or the sensory pain experience in both childhood cancer survivors and their parents. Pain catastrophizing may be a novel intervention target for survivors and parents struggling with fears of recurrence.

An examination of depression, anxiety, and fear of recurrence among cancer survivors who participated in a virtual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based telephone coaching program.

Depression, anxiety, and fear of recurrence (FOR) are prevalent among cancer survivors, and it is recommended that they have access to supportive services and resources to address psychosocial needs during follow-up care. This study examined the impact of a virtual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based telephone coaching program (BounceBack®) on depression, anxiety, and FOR. Through the After Cancer Treatment Transition (ACTT) clinic at the Women's College Hospital (Toronto, Canada), eligible participants were identified, consented, and referred to the BounceBack® program. Program participation involved completion of self-selected online workbooks and support from trained telephone coaches. Measures of depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and FOR (fear of cancer recurrence inventory, FCRI) were collected at pre-intervention (baseline) and post-intervention (6-month and 12-month time points). For each psychosocial measure, paired t-tests compared mean scores between study time points. Participant experiences and perceptions were collected through a survey. Measures of depression and anxiety significantly improved among participants from pre-intervention to post-intervention. Scores for PHQ-9 and GAD-7 decreased from moderate to mild levels. Measure of FOR also significantly improved, while FCRI sub-scale scores significantly improved for 5 of the 7 factors that characterize FOR (triggers, severity, psychological distress, functional impairment, insight). Participants rated the intervention a mean score of 7 (out of 10), indicating a moderate level of satisfaction and usefulness. This study suggested that a virtual CBT-based telephone coaching program can be an effective approach to managing depression, anxiety, and fear of recurrence in cancer survivors.

What is the prevalence of fear of cancer recurrence in cancer survivors and patients? A systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis.

ObjectiveCare for fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is considered the most common unmet need among cancer survivors. Yet the prevalence of FCR and predisposing factors remain inconclusive. To support targeted care, we provide a comprehensive overview of the prevalence and severity of FCR among cancer survivors and patients, as measured using the short form of the validated Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI‐SF). We also report on associations between FCR and clinical and demographic characteristics.MethodsThis is a systematic review and individual participant data (IPD) meta‐analysis on the prevalence of FCR. In the review, we included all studies that used the FCRI‐SF with adult (≥18 years) cancer survivors and patients. Date of search: 7 February 2020. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool.ResultsIPD were requested from 87 unique studies and provided for 46 studies comprising 11,226 participants from 13 countries. 9311 respondents were included for the main analyses. On the FCRI‐SF (range 0–36), 58.8% of respondents scored ≥13, 45.1% scored ≥16 and 19.2% scored ≥22. FCR decreased with age and women reported more FCR than men. FCR was found across cancer types and continents and for all time periods since cancer diagnosis.ConclusionsFCR affects a considerable number of cancer survivors and patients. It is therefore important that healthcare providers discuss this issue with their patients and provide treatment when needed. Further research is needed to investigate how best to prevent and treat FCR and to identify other factors associated with FCR.The protocol was prospectively registered (PROSPERO CRD42020142185).

Measuring fear of cancer recurrence in survivors of childhood cancer: Development and preliminary validation of the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI)-Child and Parent versions.

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a common and distressing psychosocial concern for adult cancer survivors. Data on this construct in child survivors is limited and there are no validated measures for this population. This study aimed to adapt the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Short Form (FCRI-SF) for survivors of childhood cancer aged 8-18years (Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Child version [FCRI-C]) and their parents (Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Parent version [FCRI-P]) to self-report on their own FCR and to examine the initial psychometric properties. The FCRI-SF was adapted through expert panel input and cognitive interviews with child survivors <18years. The factor structure, internal consistency and construct and criterion validity of the FCRI-C and FCRI-P were examined in 124 survivors of childhood cancer (43% female; Mage =14.58years, SD=2.90) and 106 parents (90% mothers). All FCRI-SF items were retained for the FCRI-C with simplified language. The internal consistencies of the FCRI-C (α=0.88) and FCRI-P (α=0.83) were good. Exploratory factor analyses yielded one-factor structures for both measures. Higher scores on the FCRI-C and FCRI-P were associated with greater intolerance of uncertainty and pain catastrophizing. Higher child FCR was also related to more hypervigilance to bodily symptoms. Parents with higher FCR reported contacting their child's doctors and nurses and scheduling medical appointments for their child more frequently. Children reported significantly lower FCR compared to parents. The FCRI-C and FCRI-P demonstrated strong reliability and preliminary validity. This study offers preliminary data to support the use of the FCRI-C and FCRI-P to measure FCR in survivors of childhood cancer aged 8-18years and their parents.

Factors Correlated With Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Cancer Survivors: A Meta-analysis.

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is one of the most common and aversive psychological phenomena among cancer survivors. Understanding the independent and potentially modifiable risk factors that contribute toward FCR seen in cancer survivors would inform future interventional trials aimed at reducing this risk. The aim of this study was to provide an evidence synthesis of factors correlated with FCR to inform the development of preventive interventions. A literature search was performed of the PsycINFO, EMBASE, and MEDLINE (PubMed) databases. Reports published from inception to 2020 focusing on the correlates of FCR with physical, psychological, and social factors were identified. Authors assessed the studies' risk of bias in accordance with the Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Quantitative Studies (QualSyst criteria) and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. After extracting data and assessing the quality of the included studies, meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. Thirty-four articles were included in this study with a total sample of more than 13 000 cancer patients. Fear of cancer recurrence was positively correlated with anxiety, depression, avoidance, chemotherapy, distress, intrusive thoughts, fatigue, rumination, and neuroticism. It was negatively correlated with optimism, age, social support, quality of life, time since diagnosis, well-being, and self-efficacy. We identified 16 factors that are correlated with FCR, 9 positively correlated with FCR and 7 negatively correlated with FCR. The findings of this study provide direction for the development of precise interventions for FCR in cancer survivors and lay the foundation for the further construction of an FCR-related nursing theoretical framework.

Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Survivors of Human Papillomavirus–Associated Oropharyngeal Carcinoma

To estimate the prevalence of and characteristics associated with fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) among human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) survivors. We conducted a cross-sectional study in HPV-OPC survivors ≥12 months from completion of definitive (chemo)radiation therapy (RT/CRT). Eligible patients completed the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory short-form (FCRI-SF), the European Organisation for research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30, MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Head and Neck, and PROMIS Anxiety and Depression short forms. Associations between FCRI-SF scores and other variables were investigated using linear regression models. A total of 136 HPV-OPC survivors were enrolled; the median age was 61 years (range, 42-87 years), 84% were male, 72% were currently partnered, 83% were current nonsmokers, 67% were regular alcohol consumers, and the median time since treatment was 2.8 years (range, 1.0-5.5 years). Clinical levels of FCR (≥13) were observed in 72 of 135 patients (53%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 45%-62%). Characteristics significantly associated with increasing FCR scores were younger age (-0.9/5 years; 95% CI, -1.7 to -0.01; P = .031), lower global quality of life (-0.8/10 unit increase; 95% CI, -1.4 to -0.2; P=.012), higher symptom interference (0.8/unit increase; 95% CI, 0.1-1.5; P=.017), and a higher burden of anxiety (0.4/unit; 95% CI, 0.3-0.5; P <.001) and depression (0.3/unit; 95% CI, 0.1-0.4; P <.001). Other sociodemographic tumor- and treatment-related characteristics were not statistically significant. Compared with patients reporting nonclinical levels of FCR, significantly more patients reporting clinical levels of FCR than expected believed professional psychological assistance would have been beneficial (60% vs 33%; P = .002). Clinical levels of FCR were observed in approximately half of the HPV-OPC survivors. Survivors reporting higher FCR were younger with worse self-reported global quality of life and higher symptom interference and emotional distress. No other patient, tumor, or treatment factors were associated with higher FCR.

Psychological Resilience, Metacognitions, and Fear of Recurrence Among Cancer Survivors and Family Caregivers.

Cancer is a life crisis that can have devastating consequences not only on the affected individual but also on his/her caregivers. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of psychological resilience and metacognitions of cancer survivors and their family caregivers (FCs) on fear of recurrence (FoR). This study used a cross-sectional design while adhering to the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines. Data were collected from 112 cancer survivors and 112 FCs recruited from 5 oncology hospitals. The cancer survivors and caregivers reported low levels of psychological resilience, which we found to be correlated with great fear of recurrence in cancer survivors and FCs. It was also in relation with metacognitions in cancer survivors and FCs.The findings showed that psychological resilience negatively predicted the fear of recurrence, whereas the metacognitions positively predicted the fear of recurrence in cancer survivors and FCs. The total effects of psychological resilience on the FoR in cancer survivors and FCs were 0.920 (confidence interval [CI], -2.059 to 0.072) and 0.061 (CI, -0.475 to 0.474), respectively. The total effects of metacognition on the FoR in cancer survivors and FCs were 1.164 (CI, 0.217-2.371) and 0.486 (CI, 0.016-1.058), respectively. The findings underline the direct and indirect mediating role of psychological resilience and metacognition of cancer survivors and FCs on FoR. The findings are particularly important to oncology nurses, who as 24-hour care providers are important sources of psychosocial care. Their awareness of factors influencing FoR is critical for achieving positive outcomes.

Pan-cancer analysis of fear of cancer recurrence in cancer survivors.

e24104 Background: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in cancer survivors is an understudied phenomenon estimated to one-third to over half of all cancer survivors. FCR has been shown to contribute to treatment noncompliance and portend a decrease in overall survival (OS). The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with needs related to FCR among patients seen at a solid tumor survivorship clinic at a National Cancer Institute designated center. Methods: Data collected as part of a patients’ needs assessment that is administered to patients (n = 657) with solid tumors such as breast, genitourinary, gastrointestinal malignancies at their initial clinic visit were analyzed. Correlations between responses were calculated and univariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of met or unmet needs related to FCR. Results: There were a total of 657 patients included 442 (67.3%) female and 215 (32.7%) male. The majority of patients (84.5%) were white (n = 555), followed by 9.74% black (n = 64), the remaining patients identified as ‘other’ or Asian. The patients median age was 67 years, median age of diagnosis 55 years, and median years since diagnosis 10 years. 613 patients had recorded distress scores ranging from 0 (n = 214), 1-4 (n = 255), 5-7 (n = 106), or 8-10 (n = 38). Of 647 patients, 241 (37.2%) reported FCR was not a need and 386 (59.7%) reported FCR was a met need. According to univariate logistic regression gender had no impact on FCR (p = 0.8427) nor did years since diagnosis (p = 0.1014). Results of multivariable regression indicate the odds ratio of reporting FCR as an unmet need (vs not a need) decreases by 6% (p = 0.0023) for every year increase in age. For each unit increase in distress score the odds ratio of reporting FCR as an unmet need is increased by 32% (p = 0.0007). Conclusions: Our data suggests that patients reporting higher distress scores are more likely to report FCR as an unmet need. Therefore, survivors with high distress scores reported in clinic visits should be evaluated for FCR. FCR reported as an unmet in our study is significantly less. Further stratification of FCR can be helpful for providers caring for survivors to identify and address FCR more effectively in clinical care. Further study is needed to learn how survivors have come to identify the need as being met.

Fear of cancer recurrence in survivors of gynecologic malignancies

Objective: Prior studies suggest fear of cancer recurrence is common among cancer survivors and not specific to cancer type. This study characterized and compared fear of cancer recurrence severity between endometrial and ovarian cancer patients in a gynecologic oncology survivorship clinic. Associations between fear of cancer recurrence, medical and demographic factors, and patient-reported quality of life (QOL) were also evaluated.

Physical activity during and after breast cancer therapy and associations of baseline physical activity with changes in cardiac function by echocardiography.

BackgroundObservational studies suggest that regular physical activity may reduce cardiovascular morbidity and cancer recurrence in survivors of breast cancer. The association between physical activity and cardiac function with breast cancer therapy is unknown.MethodsSelf‐reported physical activity was assessed using the Godin Leisure‐Time Exercise Questionnaire at repeated intervals in a longitudinal cohort study of 603 breast cancer participants treated with doxorubicin and/or trastuzumab. Multivariable regression models estimated associations between clinical variables and physical activity. Generalized estimating equations adjusted for prespecified variables estimated associations between baseline physical activity and longitudinal echocardiographic measures of systolic and diastolic function.ResultsPhysical activity was low at baseline, prior to cancer therapy initiation. More than half of participants reported no moderate‐strenuous physical activity, and only 12.1% met guideline recommended levels of physical activity. Physical activity increased after chemotherapy completion; however, only 26.0% of individuals were sufficiently active 3 years after cancer diagnosis. Body mass index, hyperlipidemia and higher cancer stage were significantly associated with lower total physical activity at baseline. Higher baseline physical activity was very modestly associated with an attenuation in the absolute decline in left ventricular ejection fraction over time (β 0.4%, 95% CI 0.1, 0.7, P = .02 for each 10‐unit increase in total activity). There tended to be a cardioprotective association with cardiotoxicity risk, although this was not statistically significant (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.66, 1.04, P = .097).ConclusionsA small proportion of breast cancer patients and survivors are engaged in regular moderate‐strenuous physical activity. While only modest associations between self‐reported physical activity and left ventricular systolic function were observed, our findings do not exclude a cardioprotective benefit of exercise.