FEAR of cancer recurrence in childhood cancer survivors: A review

Abstract

Background:  Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is the most common emotional distress in cancer survivors. It has been little described in childhood cancer survivors (CCS), even though one of the main predictors of this is being a young survivor. Objective: To summarize and analyze the current evidence on the assessment and management of FCR in CCS. Method: A narrative review of the studies included in four databases (PsycInfo, Medline, CINALH and Web of Science) was conducted without language restrictions in the last five years. Results: The most used scales in CCS were identified as the Fear of Recurrent Cancer Scale and the short version of the Fear of Recurrent Cancer Inventory (FCRI-S) and the version for children FCRI-C was obtained; the rest of the evidence uses the Cancer Worry Scale, the full version or one to four adapted items. Regarding intervention programs, no specific program for CCS in CCS was identified in this review of cognitive elements, which, if included in cognitive-behavioral interventions, for FCR in CCS. Conclusions: It is necessary to develop valid, reliable, culturally relevant instruments adapted to each stage of development for SCI due to a high survival rate, as well as the development of intervention programs that consider techniques based on scientific evidence such as the stages of cognitive development.