Fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer survivors

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Fear of cancer recurrence and health behaviours in breast cancer survivors: the role of health anxiety and mental defeat.

  • IRAS ID

    155461

  • Contact name

    Ania Grozdziej

  • Contact email

    ania.grozdziej@nhs.net

  • Research summary

    The present study seeks to investigate the role of the psychological constructs of health anxiety (general tendency to worry about one's health) and mental defeat (feeling overwhelmed or 'defeated' by serious illness or symptoms) in relation to fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and reassurance-seeking health behaviours amongst breast cancer survivors. In particular, it aims to examine the extent to which health anxiety and mental defeat are associated with FCR, psychological distress and behavioural coping responses including excessive self-monitoring and reassurance-seeking from health professionals. In addition, the study aims to explore the extent to which type of cancer treatment influences health anxiety, mental defeat, FCR, psychological distress and coping responses.

  • REC name

    West of Scotland REC 3

  • REC reference

    14/WS/1018

  • Date of REC Opinion

    4 Jul 2014

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion