Mastectomy patients and the fear of cancer recurrence

Summary ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between significant others and fear of disease recurrence in patients in cancer remission. A sample, consisting of 30 mastectomy patients in cancer remission, was administered a Fear of Recurrence Questionnaire and a Significant Other Interview instrument. Data analyses indicated a strong negative relationship between significant others and fear of recurrence. Those subjects reporting fewer significant others had higher fear of recurrence scores, whereas those subjects reporting more significant others had lower fear of recurrence scores. A strong negative relationship was also found between the number of significant others whom the subject identified as understanding her health concerns and fear of recurrence. Analysis of the demographic data showed that age, marital status, extent of disease, type of adjuvant treatment, time since surgery, and time since last treatment were not significantly related to fear of recurrence. Discussion centered on the crucial relationship between subjects' number of significant others and their threat of disease recurrence. Also discussed was the importance of mobilizing support systems as a means of lessening the threat of disease recurrence and maximizing subjects' potential for quality of life.