In 2017, Professor Phyllis Butow of the University of Sydney, Australia and her research team developed an intervention called, ‘Conquer Fear’ (Hong Kong version called 'ConquerFear-HK’:「慮而不累」自主計劃課程), based upon Metacognitive Therapy, and incorporating components of the Common Sense Model of Illness Representation and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. It was designed specifically to reduce fears of cancer recurrence and its effects in cancer survivors.
The ‘Conquer Fear’ intervention emphasizes understanding how the patient’s thinking patterns and negative thoughts drive emotions such as fear. Through one-on-one consultations and home practice exercises, participants make goals based on their life values, observe and make room for worrying thoughts by consciously detaching from them in a non-judgmental manner (detached mindfulness), enhance attentional control through attention training, practice worry postponement and reflect upon how metacognitions influence how we manage worries; thereby establishing an effective plan for taking care of one’s body and managing thoughts relating to fears of cancer recurrence.
When the ‘Conquer Fear’ intervention was conducted with Australian participants experiencing high levels of fears of cancer recurrence, it was effective in reducing repetitive negative thoughts and correcting unhelpful expectations (metacognitions); ultimately reducing excessive worries associated with fears of cancer recurrence. However, no studies have investigated whether the ‘Conquer Fear’ intervention works as well in reducing fears of cancer recurrence among Chinese populations. Therefore, we are currently conducting a randomized controlled trial study titled, ‘The effect of metacognition-based, manualized intervention of fear of cancer recurrence: a randomised controlled trial’. The goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the ‘Conquer Fear-HK’ intervention on cancer survivors experiencing fears of cancer recurrence. We hope that through this face-to-face, individual 6-session program, cancer survivors can reduce concerns about their future, no longer struggle with fears of cancer recurrence, improve their quality of life and appreciate anew a full and happy life.
Related publication
Ng, D. W. L., Fielding, R., Tsang, C., Carmen, N. G., Chan, J., Or, A., ... & Lam, W. W. T. (2023). Study protocol of ConquerFear-HK: a randomised controlled trial of a metacognition-based, manualised intervention for fear of cancer recurrence among Chinese cancer survivors. BMJ open, 13(1), e065075.
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