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Initial validation of the Danish version of the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI) in colorectal cancer patients

Journal of Cancer Survivorship volume 12, pages 723–732 (2018)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose

The Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI) is a multidimensional measure for fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the translated Danish version of the FCRI in a population of colorectal cancer patients.

Methods

The English version of the FCRI was forward–backward translated into Danish and pilot tested in a gynaecological cancer population. The psychometric properties of the FCRI were assessed in terms of responsiveness, test–retest reliability and discriminative and convergent validity in a population of colorectal cancer patients by asking them to complete questionnaires at three time points during follow-up. Clinical FCR was defined as ≥ 16 at the FCRI short form.

Results

The participation rate was 57%. A low association was found between higher scores on the FCRI and younger age (r = − 0.29, p = 0.02). A moderate correlation was found between the FCRI score and a measure for worry traits (r = 0.49, p < 0.001). Mean difference in total FCRI score was statistically significant between ‘pre-scan’ and ‘postscan’ (p < 0.001), thus indicating that the FCRI was responsive to change. The FCRI score showed good test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation = 0.84).

Conclusion

The Danish version of the FCRI is a reliable and responsive measure for FCR in colorectal cancer patients and shows acceptable discriminative and convergent validity.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

A valid measure for FCR is crucial in order to identify patients with a need for special attention or interventions for high levels of FCR and to improve future research into FCR among cancer survivors.

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Tage Hansens Gade 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark

    Ida Hovdenak Jakobsen, Henriette Vind Thaysen, Søren Laurberg & Therese Juul

  2. Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, J.B. Winsløws Vej 4, 5000, Odense C, Denmark

    Mette Moustgaard Jeppesen

  3. Department of Health Sciences, University of Quebec in Chicoutimi (UQAC), 555, boul. de l’Université, Chicoutimi, Quebec, Canada

    Sébastien Simard

Authors
  1. Ida Hovdenak Jakobsen
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  2. Mette Moustgaard Jeppesen
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  3. Sébastien Simard
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  4. Henriette Vind Thaysen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ida Hovdenak Jakobsen.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Requests for permission to use the FCRI (any language versions) should be addressed to Sébastien Simard: Sebastien1_Simard@uqac.ca

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Hovdenak Jakobsen, I., Jeppesen, M.M., Simard, S. et al. Initial validation of the Danish version of the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI) in colorectal cancer patients. J Cancer Surviv 12, 723–732 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-018-0709-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-018-0709-5

Keywords

  • Cancer survivorship
  • Fear of recurrence
  • Translation, validity and responsiveness
  • Inventory
  • Colorectal cancer