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

Abstract

Objective Care 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. Methods This 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. Results IPD 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. Conclusions FCR 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).

Psychosocial Aspects of Living Long Term with Advanced Cancer and Ongoing Systemic Treatment: A Scoping Review

“…There is extensive literature reporting the psychosocial consequences of cancer in curative and end-of-life settings [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. However, studies examining the psychosocial outcomes of living long term with advanced cancer in patients receiving ongoing systemic treatment and/or follow-up are scarce [ 5 , 6 , 7 ].…”

Pan-cancer analysis of fear of cancer recurrence among cancer survivors

“…1,5,6 The overall prevalence for FCR is unknown and groups have estimated wide ranges from 39% to 97%. 7 Meta-analyses have found that FCR was found most in women and younger patients, but that FCR occurs in all continents and at all time points since diagnosis. 7 With the improvement in many cancer therapies and subsequently improved patient survival, research into FCR has also grown.…”

“…7 Meta-analyses have found that FCR was found most in women and younger patients, but that FCR occurs in all continents and at all time points since diagnosis. 7 With the improvement in many cancer therapies and subsequently improved patient survival, research into FCR has also grown. The modern definition of FCR has evolved and additions include hypervigilance and sensitivity to bodily symptoms that some cancer survivors can develop.…”

“… 1 , 5 , 6 The overall prevalence for FCR is unknown and groups have estimated wide ranges from 39% to 97%. 7 Meta-analyses have found that FCR was found most in women and younger patients, but that FCR occurs in all continents and at all time points since diagnosis. 7 …”

“… 7 Meta-analyses have found that FCR was found most in women and younger patients, but that FCR occurs in all continents and at all time points since diagnosis. 7 …”