CARING
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Reducing Fear of Cancer Recurrence in overlooked young Cancer Survivors (CARING)
IRAS ID
344588
Contact name
Susanne Cruickshank
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 27 days
Research summary
This study wants to understand if it is possible to integrate a fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) assessment within a follow-up clinic, and depending on the score, recommend one of three different approaches. We will invite young people (aged 18-39) diagnosed with lymphoma, melanoma or testicular cancer to participate.
Fear of cancer recurrence is a recognised psychological consequence of a cancer diagnosis and patients seek support. It can affect quality of life, enjoyment of life and anxiety levels.
We will ask them to complete a FCR-4 so we can screen them. This is a questionnaire asking 4 questions associated with fears of cancer returning. If they score 10 or lower (low risk) they will receive standard care which does not specifically focus on this, a score of 10-16 (moderate risk) they will be offered the MiniAFTERc intervention and a score over 16 will trigger an assessment and posisble referral to psychological services.
The Mini-AFTERc is a cognitive behavioural therapy delivered by Clinical Cancer Nurse Specialists over the telephone that can help cancer patients with the negative consequences of this symptom. It has not been used in this cancer population but we hope this can help. We will collect FCR4, Quality of life, anxiety and depression, fatigue data through questionnaires at baseline, 1 month and 3 months. We will also interview a few Patients and CNSs to exploring their experience regarding being part of this study. If they are in the Mini-AFTERc arm they will asked about the acceptability and their experience around the intervention as will the nurses that delivered it.
Data will be analysed and reported about the acceptability of the assessment and intervention, and comment will be made as to whether scores change over time from baseline, 1 and 3 months and comparison between cohorts.
The study is externally funded.
REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0038
Date of REC Opinion
25 Feb 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion