Fear of cancer recurrence at 2.5 years after a cancer diagnosis: a cross-sectional study in Denmark

The aim was to investigate the characteristics of cancer survivors with high levels of fear of cancer recurrence, and how such fear is associated with their needs for care.

This cross-sectional study was based on survey data from Danish cancer survivors at 2.5 years after a cancer diagnosis. These data were linked to nationwide register data. We used the 7-item Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCR7) to measure fear of cancer recurrence, focussing on emotional, cognitive and behavioural reactions to such fear. The FCR7 score was dichotomised at the 75th percentile. A logistic regression model was used to analyse the associations between a high level of fear of cancer recurrence and (1) characteristics of patient and primary cancer and (2) cancer survivors' statements concerning follow-up for cancer.

We included 1538 cancer survivors in the study. The median FCR7 score was 18 (interquartile interval: 13-21), and 366 (23.8%) respondents had an FCR7 score of > 21, defined as a high level of fear. In the adjusted analyses, a high level of fear was associated with female sex, younger age, comorbidity, advanced tumour stage and negative statements concerning follow-up, including feeling less safe in the follow-up programme. Fear was not related to the professional background of care providers involved in cancer follow-up.

Fear of cancer recurrence was associated with female sex, younger age, comorbidity, advanced tumour stage and discontent with cancer follow-up.