How breast cancer survivors cope with fear of recurrence: a focus group study
Menée aux Pays-Bas auprès de 27 survivantes d'un cancer du sein, cette étude qualitative analyse leurs façons de faire face à la peur d'une récidive de la maladie
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.