Cancer progression: what are patients' concerns and how do these impact their lives?

How does fear of cancer progressing impact people with secondary breast or prostate cancer?

Background - the evidence gap around fear of progression after cancer recurrence

Uncertainty, fear, and anxiety are words used by patients to describe the period after a cancer recurs. Thinking about the cancer recurring after an initial diagnosis and fears associated with this happening, is a common concern. At low levels it can be beneficial as people become vigilant to signs of a recurrence. However, it can reach levels that may impact on a person’s overall quality of life and their well-being. 

The term fear of cancer recurrence is used interchangeably with fear of cancer progression. 

However, there is a lack of research examining fear of progression after the recurrence occurs.

Our aim - understanding concerns and improving the way we talk to patients about fear of cancer progression.

We want to gain an understanding of how the level of fear and anxiety impact on a persons’ quality of life and emotional well-being. 

We will then talk to cancer patients with a recurrence about their general wellbeing and their concerns moving forward. 

This work will help identify better ways for health professionals to talk about this important area and, ultimately offer more appropriate support.

Get involved

We want your insights about the kind of topics you feel are important in the experience of cancer. We are particularly interested in concerns about the progression of illness.

• Join our online forum and tell us what is most important
• Post an idea on our ideas board or like and comment on ideas already posted

 Post your own ideas or Like or comment on other people's ideas

Our study currently focuses on patients with breast and prostate cancer recurrence, but we welcome comments from people with other cancers, and we have applied to widen this study to people with any cancer that has recurred.