Intro:
Survivors of cancer are at an increased risk of recurrence and secondary cancers, as well as comorbid disease and late and long term effects of treatment. Fear of recurrence is a routinely noted stressor by survivors; however little is known of the impact of recurrent disease on psychosocial outcomes (Koch et al., 2012; Vivar et al., 2008). The current study examines the psychosocial outcomes and quality of life of long-term survivors with and without recurrent disease.
Method:
A sample of 327 cancer survivors (N(Recurrence)=85, M age=62.8 years, female=70%, M years since treatment=10), completed demographic and health history information forms, as well as measures of depression, anxiety, distress and quality of life, by mail as part of a larger study.
Results:
There were no significant differences across demographic variables between the two groups. Long-term survivors who were currently under treatment for disease recurrence reported significantly higher rates of depression (p<.05) and greater impairment in quality of life (p<.01). Impairments in quality of life were most notable in domains of physical, emotional and functional well-being (p’s<.01). There were no differences between the groups on measures of anxiety or acute distress.
Discussion:
Fear of recurrence is a tangible stressor for many cancer patients and survivors. In a group of long-term survivors, an episode of recurrent disease was associated with significant impairments in quality of life and heightened depression. Care providers should be vigilant in monitoring possible depressive symptoms and quality of life concerns in survivors who experience a recurrence.