How prevalent is fear of cancer recurrence beyond 5 years: a systematic review of validated assessments across tumour types.

In 30 seconds

This systematic review examined the prevalence of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in survivors beyond 5 years across various tumor types. Analyzing ten studies with sample sizes from 64 to 5983, it found that FCR prevalence ranged from 13% to 33.9% in cohorts with acceptable risk of bias. The review highlights the need for standardized assessments and more longitudinal studies.

Key findings

• FCR prevalence in survivors beyond 5 years ranged from 13% to 33.9%.
• Only two studies reported longitudinal measurements of FCR.
• Sample sizes in included studies varied from 64 to 5983 participants.
• The review included studies assessing various tumor types and age groups.

Why it matters

Understanding the prevalence of FCR in long-term cancer survivors is crucial for developing targeted interventions. Persistent fear can significantly impact quality of life, necessitating effective management strategies in clinical practice.