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How breast cancer survivors cope with fear of recurrence: a focus group study
Jolanda De Vries1, Brenda L Den Oudsten, Patty M E P Jacobs
1CoRPS, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, P.O. Box 90153, 5000 LE, Tilburg, The Netherlands, j.devries@uvt.nl.
Purpose:
The aim of this qualitative study was to examine the ways in which breast cancer survivors cope with fear of recurrence.
Methods:
Three focus groups were held with breast cancer survivors. Focus group interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative techniques. Coding was done on two levels: styles and strategies.
Results:
Twenty-seven women participated. The majority of the women (74 %) were a little anxious, and some patients (11 %) were somewhat anxious about the possibility of cancer recurrence. Most women (74 %) indicated to think a few times a month about the possibility of cancer recurrence. Different coping styles were reported, but commonly, women (80 %) reported an emotion-focused coping strategy. About half of the women (49 %) used passive or avoidant coping styles.
Conclusion:
The emotion-focused coping strategy was most commonly used. This information can be used to provide tailored psychosocial care.
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