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  • Title: Fear of recurrence in long-term testicular cancer survivors.
    Author: Skaali T, Fosså SD, Bremnes R, Dahl O, Haaland CF, Hauge ER, Klepp O, Oldenburg J, Wist E, Dahl AA.
    Journal: Psychooncology; 2009 Jun; 18(6):580-8. PubMed ID: 18855944.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: To explore fear of recurrence (FoR) in long-term testicular cancer survivors (TCSs) since FoR hardly has been examined in TCSs. METHODS: In a cross-sectional questionnaire study, 1336 TCSs at a mean of 11.4 years (SD 4.2) after diagnosis gave information about their medical and social situation, and completed measures on mental distress, fatigue, quality of life, coping, self-esteem and neuroticism. FoR during the last week was explored with one question, with the response categories rated on a 4-point Likert scale. Nine percent of the TCSs had a structured psychiatric interview. RESULTS: Twenty-four percent of the TCSs reported 'quite a bit' FoR and 7% reported 'very much' FoR during the last week. The FoR question showed moderate correlations (0.22-0.51) with established psychological measures. The level of FoR was significantly positively correlated with mental distress, fatigue and neuroticism and significantly negatively correlated with quality of life, self-esteem and coping. In univariate analyses, neurotoxic side effects and somatic symptoms, but not treatment modality, were significantly associated with level of FoR. In a multivariate analysis, a medium educational level, increasing levels of traumatic cancer-related stress symptoms and of neuroticism were significantly associated with rising FoR. Among those who had a psychiatric interview, the presence of at least one current mental disorder was significantly associated with FoR. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of FoR in long-term TCSs are not uncommon. Levels of mental and somatic problems are associated with the levels of FoR. Clinical consequences of these findings for TCSs are discussed.
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