The Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Processes of Fear of Recurrence Among Cervical Cancer Survivors - A Qualitative Research.

Abstract Objective: Cervical cancer often takes an emotional and mental toll on the affected woman. Fear of cancer recurrence was identified as one of the most prominent unmet needs in patients and survivors. The present study sought to explore meaning of fear of cancer recurrence among cervical cancer survivors owing to the paucity of studies regarding this population. Methods: In this qualitative research, semi structured interviews conducted with 15 cervical cancer survivors. Interviewees' mean age was 41.33 years (range 34-47 years) and time since diagnosis ranged from six months to seven years (mean - 3.1 years). Results: Three central themes emerged that represent intrapersonal and interpersonal processes that begin with relief from fears of cancer recurrence, alongside acknowledgement of being no longer resilient, representing the intrapersonal level. Next, an interpersonal level that included mutual fears shared by the interviewee and her partner, reflected either by coping together or coping alone. Finally, fear of recurrence became a combination of intrapersonal and interpersonal processes manifested by the greatest fear - death, expressed by both the interviewee and her family members. Conclusions: The present findings revealed that the meaning of fear of cancer recurrence represents intrapersonal and interpersonal processes encompassing three factors – uncertainty, social-cognitive processing and death anxiety. Accordingly, potential psycho-social treatment options could be tailored specific to the dominance of these factors for cervical cancer survivor.