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Screening for fear and emotional distress in cancer survivors is needed
It is common for cancer survivors to be afraid that their cancer may come back. But when that fear takes hold, causes anxiety and depression, or affects daily function, mental health support may be needed.
A study of cancer survivors in North America called “Exploring Aspects of Survivors Pain” or EASE, surveyed 229 adult survivors of childhood cancer. Participants were asked if they feared that their cancer would return or that a new cancer would develop. Survivors rated their fear of cancer recurrence on a scale of 0 (not at all) to 4 (a great deal). They also answered questions about their symptoms of depression and anxiety, how well they coped with uncertainty, and how well they slept. They also were asked about how well they felt and their levels of chronic pain.
Results from this study showed that 1 in 3 survivors of childhood cancer had higher levels of fear about cancer recurrence, which was likely to affect their function.
What does this mean for you?
Adult survivors of childhood cancer should be screened during regular health care visits to identify feelings of fear, anxiety, or depression that may benefit from extra mental health support. This care could include cognitive behavioral therapy, mind-body practices, and support groups. If you have health-related stress, reach out to your health care provider for more information and support.
Reference
Pizzo A, Leisenring WM, Stratton KL, Lamoureux É, Flynn JS, Alschuler K, Krull KR, Jibb LA, Nathan PC, Olgin JE, Stinson JN, Armstrong GT, Alberts NM. Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer. JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Oct 1;7(10):e2436144.