Unit 4 - Understanding Fear of Recurrence.

This training is presented in collaboration with the Canadian Association of Nurse in Oncology (CANO) and is part of CANO’s manual Adult cancer survivorship: A self-Learning resource for nurses – 2020.

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a common concern among cancer survivors. In 2016, a consensus definition of FCR was developed: “Fear, worry, or concern relating to the possibility that cancer will come back or progress”. There are many negative consequences for survivors living with FCR, such as lower quality of life, greater uncertainty, and higher use of health care resources. Characteristics of cancer survivors having higher FCR include: Younger age at diagnosis, female gender, and having a higher number of comorbidities. In this presentation, Jacqueline Galica RN PhD CON(C), will talk about Screening and discussion about FCR; Ongoing assessment of FCR and Managing FCR: implications for nurses.

Learning objectives:
• Understand what FCR is and its impact on cancer patients
• Recognize the key role of the nurse in the assessment of FCR
• Recognize the signs of FCR in patients
• Evaluate the level of FRC: low, moderate, severe
• Identify patients at risk for high FCR
• Know the tools (standardized scales), interventions and resources to help the patient manage this fear
• Understand how to manage FCR by practicing comprehensive health assessment and teaching and coaching
• Know the symptoms cancer survivors should report to healthcare professionals and the strategies to adopt