While low level of concerns about the potential threat of cancer recurrence is normal, realistic response, high fear of cancer recurrence can be detrimental, affecting individuals’ quality of life and functional capacity.

Our recent longtiudinal study (supported by General Research Fund 2015-2017) on fear of cancer recurrence investigated why some cancer patients have persistent high fear of cancer recurrence while others have normal low level of fear of cancer recurrence. We examined the interrelationship among maladaptive metacognition beliefs about negative thinking (e.g. rumination and worry), the use of negative styles of thinking and persistent high fear of cancer recurrence.

Our study showed 3 in 10 survivors persistently worried about cancer returning over the first 12-month post-treatment. Modifying metacognitive knowledge to interrupt maladaptive cognitive processing including intrusion and avoidance may be an effective therapeutic intervention for patients at risk of persistent FCR.

Hence, we are currently conducting a randomized controlled trial (supported by General Research Fund 2019-2021) to assess the effect of ConquerFear intervention on fear of cancer recurrence among Chinese patients newly diagnosed with curable cancer.

Related publications:

Ng DWL, Kwong A, Suen D, Chan M, Or A, Ng SS, Foo CC, Fielding BFS, Lam WWT. Fear of cancer recurrence among Chinese cancer survivors: prevalence and associations with metacognition and neuroticism. Psycho-oncology (2019) 28(6): 1243-1251

Ng DWL, Foo CC, Ng SS, Kwong A, Suen D, Chan M, Or A, Fielding BFS, Lam WWT. The role of metacognition and its indirect effect through cognitive attentional syndrome on fear of cancer recurrence trajectories: a longitudinal study. Psycho-oncology (2019) doi: 10.1002/pon.5234