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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 2/2016

Open Access 01-02-2016 | Original Article

Fear of cancer recurrence in colorectal cancer survivors

Authors: José A. E. Custers, Marieke F. M. Gielissen, Stephanie H. V. Janssen, Johannes H. W. de Wilt, Judith B. Prins

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 2/2016

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Abstract

Purpose

Although long-term colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors generally report a good quality of life, fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) remains an important issue. This study investigated whether the Cancer Worry Scale (CWS) can detect high FCR, the prevalence, and characteristics of FCR in CRC survivors.

Methods

Two hundred and eleven patients who had undergone successful CRC surgery in the period 2003–2010 in the Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands were asked to participate. All patients were sent an information letter plus questionnaires for collecting information on demographic and medical variables, FCR, distress, and quality of life.

Results

Seventy-six patients (36 %; median age of 67.7 years range 41–88 years) completed the questionnaires a median of 5.1 years after surgery. A cut-off score of 14 or higher on the CWS was optimal to detect high FCR. Twenty-nine patients (38 %) experienced high levels of FCR, characterized by higher levels of distress, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and lower quality of life. These individuals particularly reacted to disease-related triggers, felt helpless, were worried, and experienced limitations in daily functioning. High FCR was not associated with demographic or medical variables.

Conclusion

Long after successful CRC surgery, FCR is a serious problem that impairs the quality of life for a substantial proportion of patients. With the CWS, it is possible to detect high FCR and thereby assist survivors in receiving appropriate care.
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Metadata
Title
Fear of cancer recurrence in colorectal cancer survivors
Authors
José A. E. Custers
Marieke F. M. Gielissen
Stephanie H. V. Janssen
Johannes H. W. de Wilt
Judith B. Prins
Publication date
01-02-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 2/2016
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-015-2808-4

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