Survivors of adult-onset cancer often experience fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). However, the prevalence and risk factors of FCR in adult survivors of childhood cancer remain poorly understood. A study involving 229 adult survivors of childhood cancer aimed to address this gap. The study revealed that 16.6% of the participants experienced clinically significant FCR, while 15.7% reported high FCR. Clinically significant FCR was associated with factors such as unemployment, presence of neurologic chronic health conditions, pelvic radiation treatment, and amputator or limb-sparing surgery.
Similarly, high FCR was associated with elevated anxiety and/or depression and perceived poor health status. The study suggests that adult survivors of childhood cancer should be screened regularly for FCR and related symptoms and treated promptly. Did you find this article interesting? Share your views…
