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

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Abstract

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.

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Conflict of interest

The study is not sponsored. All authors have full control of all primary data, and they agree to allow the journal to review their data if requested.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CoRPS, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, P.O. Box 90153, 5000 LE, Tilburg, The Netherlands

    Jolanda De Vries, Brenda L. Den Oudsten & Jan A. Roukema

  2. Department of Medical Psychology, St. Elisabeth Hospital, P.O. Box 90151, 5000 LC, Tilburg, The Netherlands

    Jolanda De Vries

  3. Department of Education and Research, St. Elisabeth Hospital, P.O. Box 90151, 5000 LC, Tilburg, The Netherlands

    Brenda L. Den Oudsten

  4. Department of Surgery, St. Elisabeth Hospital, P.O. Box 90151, 5000 LC, Tilburg, The Netherlands

    Patty M. E. P. Jacobs & Jan A. Roukema

Authors
  1. Jolanda De Vries
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  2. Brenda L. Den Oudsten
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  3. Patty M. E. P. Jacobs
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  4. Jan A. Roukema
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Correspondence to Jolanda De Vries.

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De Vries, J., Den Oudsten, B.L., Jacobs, P.M.E.P. et al. How breast cancer survivors cope with fear of recurrence: a focus group study. Support Care Cancer 22, 705–712 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-013-2025-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-013-2025-y

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