Journal Article

How breast cancer survivors cope with fear of recurrence: a focus group study

Roukema, Jan A., De Vries, Jolanda, Den Oudsten, Brenda L., Jacobs, Patty M. E. P.

2014

Overview

Purpose The aim of this qualitative study was to examine the ways in which breast cancer survivors cope with fear of recurrence. Methods Three focus groups were held with breast cancer survivors. Focus group interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative techniques. Coding was done on two levels: styles and strategies. Results Twenty-seven women participated. The majority of the women (74 %) were a little anxious, and some patients (11 %) were somewhat anxious about the possibility of cancer recurrence. Most women (74 %) indicated to think a few times a month about the possibility of cancer recurrence. Different coping styles were reported, but commonly, women (80 %) reported an emotion-focused coping strategy. About half of the women (49 %) used passive or avoidant coping styles. Conclusion The emotion-focused coping strategy was most commonly used. This information can be used to provide tailored psychosocial care.

• Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg,Springer,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Adaptation, Psychological - physiology / Adjustment / Adult / Aged / Analysis / Anxiety - psychology / Breast cancer / Breast Neoplasms - epidemiology / Breast Neoplasms - psychology / Cancer / Cancer survivors / Coping / Coping strategies / Emotions / Fear & phobias / Fear - psychology / Female / Focus Groups / Follow-Up Studies / Humans / Medicine / Medicine & Public Health / Middle Aged / Neoplasm Recurrence, Local - psychology / Nursing / Nursing Research / Oncology / Oncology, Experimental / Original Article / Pain Medicine / Patients / Psychosocial factors / Qualitative Research / Recurrence / Rehabilitation Medicine / Survivor / Survivors - psychology / Women