Remote Psychological Interventions for Fear of Cancer Recurrence: Scoping Review

Abstract

Background Patients with cancer and survivors may experience the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), a preoccupation with the progression or recurrence of cancer. During the spread of COVID-19 in 2019, patients and survivors experienced increased levels of FCR. Hence, there is a greater need to identify effective evidence-based treatments to help people cope with FCR. Remotely delivered interventions might provide a valuable means to address FCR in patients with cancer. Objective The aim of this study is to first discuss the available psychological interventions for FCR based on traditional cognitive behavioral therapies (CBTs) or contemporary CBTs, in particular, mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy, and then propose a possible approach based on the retrieved literature. Methods We searched key electronic databases to identify studies that evaluated the effect of psychological interventions such as CBT on FCR among patients with cancer and survivors. Results Current evidence suggests that face-to-face psychological interventions for FCR are feasible, acceptable, and efficacious for managing FCR. However, there are no specific data on the interventions that are most effective when delivered remotely. Conclusions CBT interventions can be efficacious in managing FCR, especially at posttreatment, regardless of whether it is delivered face to face, on the web, or using a blended approach. To date, no study has simultaneously compared the effectiveness of face-to-face, web-based, and blended interventions. On the basis of the retrieved evidence, we propose the hypothetical program of an intervention for FCR based on both traditional CBT and contemporary CBT, named Change Of Recurrence, which aims to improve the management of FCR in patients with cancer and survivors.

The role of caregivers in the clinical pathway of patients newly diagnosed with breast and prostate cancer: A study protocol

“…Moreover, breast and prostate cancers belong to those types of cancers where caregivers' involvement can be necessary, since some decisions for therapies also involve the sphere of intimacy and fertility (Northouse et al, 2007 ; Dorros et al, 2010 ). In these cases, partners ideally play a fundamental role in making decisions, insofar as the decision has an impact on them as well (Segrin and Badger, 2010 ; Muzzatti et al, 2020 ; Cincidda et al, 2022 ). For this reason, the promotion of specific interventions to support dyads facing the diagnosis of breast or prostate cancer becomes even more crucial.…”

Trajectories of fear of cancer recurrence and its influence factors: A longitudinal study on Chinese newly diagnosed cancer patients

“…In this study, we (1) found significant differences in FCR levels from the time of first diagnosis of malignancy to 2 months after discharge in newly diagnosed cancer patients; (2) demonstrated a trend of increasing and then decreasing FCR levels in patients over the course of three measurements; (3) showed that the junior secondary and less education level, rural residence, advanced tumor and high EA level were risk factors for higher FCR. This implies that without early psychological intervention, patients may face relatively serious negative emotional distress 29 …”

Guided versus non‐guided digital psychological interventions for cancer patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of engagement and efficacy

“…Traditionally, treatments for psychological symptoms of cancer, that is, those impacting patients' emotional health (e.g., anxiety), have been delivered face-to-face and shown to improve psychological wellbeing. [3][4][5] However, numerous barriers reduce their accessibility including the logistics of attending appointments, physical symptoms (e.g., pain, limited mobility), lack of family support, financial issues, perceived stigma, and limited health professional availability in rural/remote areas. [6][7][8][9] Digital interventions, defined as programs that provide information and support for physical and/or mental health problems via a digital platform, 10 may overcome these barriers, as they allow patients to complete treatment remotely and anonymously, 3 thereby reducing healthcare system burden.…”

“…7 When successfully implemented, digital interventions offer scalability, improved patient selfmanagement, care continuity, reduced healthcare costs, and reduced resource expenditure. 3,11 Consequently, psychological interventions are being adapted for internet delivery (e.g., the iConquerFear intervention) 12 to meet cancer survivors' changing needs.…”