Efficacy of psychological treatments for fear of breast cancer recurrence
Abstract
Introduction: Fear of cancer recurrence is one of the most frequent consequences in cancer survivors. Breast cancer was the most diagnosed type of cancer in 2020 worldwide, although a low mortality rate of this type of cancer has been evidenced in Spain, which favors a higher prevalence of fear of recurrence in breast cancer. Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the interventions used to reduce the fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer survivors. Methodology: We searched the SCOPUS, APA PsycInfo, APA PsycArticles, MEDLINE, and E-Journals databases, limiting the results to randomized controlled studies from the last seven years. Results: Eighteen studies were finally included. Interventions targeting attentional biases and worries, and ruminations were found to be the most effective. Results are discussed based on the Fear of Cancer Recurrence model developed by Lee- Jones et al. (1997) and future lines of research are proposed. Conclusions: There are several effective interventions on fear of cancer recurrence, with the ConquerFear program standing out for its results and low cost.
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