Interventions to Reduce Fear of Cancer Recurrence Among People With Cancer - Scoping Review

Sep 22, 2026

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) affects a substantial proportion of cancer survivors, with reported prevalence ranging from 39% to 97%. The review addresses the lack of a synthesis of the scope of psychological interventions available to reduce FCR. Using the Joanna Briggs Institute framework for scoping reviews and PRISMA-ScR reporting, the study evaluates eligible adult cancer populations and summarizes intervention characteristics, outcomes, and follow-up duration.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages26

Reading Time1 h 6 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

JMIR CANCER Li et al Review Interventions to Reduce Fear of Cancer Recurrence Among People With Cancer: Scoping Review | Niu Li 1 , MD; Cynthia Wensley1 , PhD; Lisa Reynolds2 , PhD; Wal Baraza3,4 , MPhil, FRCS; Tatiana Osorio Leyton 1 , MD; Andrew Jull 1,5 , PhD | | --- | | 1School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand 2Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
3Department of Surgery, Faculty of science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand 4Department of Surgery, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
5Centre for Translational Research in Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Corresponding Author:
Niu Li, MD
School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Auckland
85 Park Road, Grafton Auckland 1010 New Zealand
Phone: 64 0274679941
[Email:](Email: nli280@aucklanduni.ac.nz)[ ](Email: nli280@aucklanduni.ac.nz)[nli280@aucklanduni.ac.nz](Email: nli280@aucklanduni.ac.nz)
Abstract | Background: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is prevalent among cancer survivors, affecting between 39% and 97% of patients. FCR is associated with impaired concentration, sleep disturbances, decreased quality of life, and increased psychological distress and health care use . To date, the literature lacks a review that summarizes the breadth of psychological interventions available for reducing fear of recurrence . Objective: This review aims to identify and summarize the evidence on psychological interventions for addressing FCR across all cancers . Methods: The Joanna Briggs Institute method for scoping reviews guided the processes, and we reported the review following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist. We searched 5 databases (CINAHL, PsycInfo, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and MEDLINE) and 2 gray literature sources (ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry) . Eligible studies included adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with cancer and evaluated psychological interventions aimed at reducing FCR. Data extraction captured study characteristics, intervention details, outcome effectiveness, and follow-up durations. We synthesized the findings using descriptive summaries and narrative analysis. Results: Overall, 5131 articles were screened, and 122 were included in this review; 48 (39.3%) involved patients with breast cancer, 47 (38.5%) focused on patients with multiple cancer types; over half of the studies (n=64, 52.5%) were randomized controlled trials. Only 28 (23%) studies explicitly reported the definition of FCR. Eighteen different measurement tools were used. Blended interventions (different combinations of cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy, and other strategies) formed the largest intervention category (n=38, 31.1%), followed by cognitive behavioral therapy interventions (n=26, 21.3%) and mindfulness-based interventions (n=24, 19.7%) . Of the included studies, 104 (85.2%) demonstrated significant reductions in FCR. Most interventions were delivered face-to-face by disciplinary specialists (n=75, 61.5%), while some were delivered remotely (n=34, 27.9%), with the majority of these delivered via the website (n=18, 52.9%). Follow-up duration ranged from postintervention to 3 years. Conclusions: FCR has been the focus of an increasing number of studies since 2009, with the majority being randomized controlled trials. Most interventions are delivered face-to-face and rely on trained specialists. Most have had statistically significant results. However, the included studies demonstrated heterogeneity in terms of delivery, duration, and dose, requiring cautious interpretation of intervention effects. Future research should develop c

FAQs

What is fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and why does it matter?

FCR refers to fear, worry, or concern that cancer might return. It is linked to impaired concentration, sleep disturbances, reduced quality of life, and increased psychological distress and health care use.

What was the goal of this scoping review?

The review aimed to identify and summarize evidence on psychological interventions for addressing FCR across all cancer types.

How were studies selected and what types of interventions were examined?

The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute method for scoping reviews and used PRISMA-ScR guidance. It included adults diagnosed with cancer who received psychological interventions targeting FCR, and summarized intervention details, outcome effectiveness, and follow-up duration.

Sep 22, 2026

Uploaded by Taylor Morgan