An observational mixed-methods approach to investigate the fear of cancer recurrence cognitive and emotional model by Lee-Jones et al with women with breast cancer during radiotherapy treatment

Abstract

There is minimal qualitative research on fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in patients who are still undergoing treatment. This study explored how breast cancer patients' illness beliefs changed during radiotherapy treatment, so as to provide their longitudinal perspective across sessions. These beliefs were mapped to Lee-Jones et al FCR model to assess its applicability to patients during this key treatment phase. A framework qualitative analysis was employed for verbatim interactions between patients (n = 8) and their radiographer (n = 2) over a minimum of three weekly review sessions (26 review consultations in total). Results proved suggested evolution and repetition of themes within and across sessions. Most themes were consistent with the early stages of the Lee-Jones et al model (antecedents and FCR) such as internal and external cues, cognitions and emotions. The crucial observation was that somatic stimuli were interpreted as side effects of radiotherapy treatment rather than cancer symptoms. Patients were still undergoing their last phase of major treatment, whereas the Lee-Jones et al model has been constructed to explain patients' past treatment experience. New themes emerged, including current exercise, concurrent illnesses/problems, cancer treatment as a constant reminder (of diagnosis) and associated sleeping difficulties. Decatastrophising of symptoms and experiences relating to cancer and its treatment was also a prominent theme indicating a possible coping mechanism to reduce worries about treatment side effects and associated experiences. Finally, some evidence was found from failure of emotional/fear processing in patients due to early surface reassurance by health professionals -a possible explanation of how FCR might arise. Early detection of FCR and promoting support while patients are still undergoing treatment might prevent patients from developing FCR after treatment.

Clinical Hypnosis in Medical Care: A Mixed-Method Feasibility Study

“… 15 The need for effective ways to cope with side effects from surgery, as well as other symptoms experienced by breast cancer patients, is evident from the literature on symptom experiences and quality of life in this patient group. 16 - 19 …”

“…15 The need for effective ways to cope with side effects from surgery, as well as other symptoms experienced by breast cancer patients, is evident from the literature on symptom experiences and quality of life in this patient group. [16][17][18][19] The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of preoperative hypnosis among women undergoing breast cancer surgery in Norway. We applied a mixed-method approach involving (1) a representative survey of the general population where experience with and willingness to accept hypnosis as part of medical care were assessed, and (2) a qualitative pilot study where the experiences of 5 women who received preoperative hypnosis were explored.…”