Fear of Cancer Recurrence Guideline

Objective

To make recommendations based on evidence-based strategies and/or interventions to screen, assess, and manage fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in adults living with cancer and their care partners/family members to improve patient outcomes. 

Patient Population

Adults living with cancer and care partners/family members (≥18 years)

• Includes adult survivors of childhood cancer,
• Includes people currently in treatment and post treatment for cancer,
• Care partners include family members and other support people (i.e., friends) who provide unpaid care to cancer survivors.

Intended Guideline Users

The intended users of this guideline include oncology professionals, primary care providers, healthcare professionals working with cancer patients, psychosocial oncology professionals, and decision and policy makers in hospitals, clinics, and health systems in the province of Ontario.

Research Questions

Research Question 1:

1. For patients who are living with cancer, are screening tools for FCR more effective for identifying patients and care partners who suffer from FCR than not screening?
2. For such a screening tool, is there improved capacity to identify patients who experience FCR compared to the current standard of care (i.e., ESAS, psychosocial support)?
3. Does the use of a screening tool increase referral to appropriate psychosocial resources?

Research Question 2:

1. For patients who are living with cancer, are assessment tools for FCR more effective for identifying the extent and nature of FCR in patients and care partners than usual care (e.g., ESAS)?

2. Does the use of an assessment tool lead to better management of FCR (e.g., referral to appropriate psychosocial resources)?

Research Question 3:

What are the most effective strategies/components for managing or reducing FCR?"