Jamie Kyriacou1, Alexandra Black2, Nancy Drummond3, Joanne Power4, Christine Maheu5. 1. Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University. Montréal, QC, jamie.kyriacou@mail.mcgill.ca. 2. Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montréal, QC, alexandra.black@mail.mcgill.ca. 3. Clinical Nurse Specialist, Gynecologic Oncology, SMBD Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, ndrummond@jgh.mcgill.ca. 4. Clinical Nurse Specialist, Gynecologic Oncology, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, joanne.power@muhc.mcgill.ca. 5. Associate Professor, Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montréal, QC, christine.maheu@mcgill.ca.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to better understand fear of cancer (FCR) through the experience of ovarian and fallopian tube cancer survivors. METHODS: This study used a descriptive qualitative design. Twelve participants in remission from ovarian or fallopian tube cancer were recruited. Researchers conducted face-to-face, semi-structured interviews and the content, transcribed verbatim, underwent content analysis. RESULTS: FCR has been identified as a significant concern for women in remission from ovarian cancer. Four themes emerged from the participants' FCR experience: (a) uncertainty surrounding recurrence; (b) varied beliefs and sources of worry; (c) perceived risk of recurrence; (d) management of FCR. IMPLICATIONS: Survivorship support can be optimized by nurses by screening for FCR, offering psychosocial support for women at risk for FCR, teaching and reinforcing adaptive coping strategies.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to better understand fear of cancer (FCR) through the experience of ovarian and fallopian tube cancer survivors. METHODS: This study used a descriptive qualitative design. Twelve participants in remission from ovarian or fallopian tube cancer were recruited. Researchers conducted face-to-face, semi-structured interviews and the content, transcribed verbatim, underwent content analysis. RESULTS: FCR has been identified as a significant concern for women in remission from ovarian cancer. Four themes emerged from the participants' FCR experience: (a) uncertainty surrounding recurrence; (b) varied beliefs and sources of worry; (c) perceived risk of recurrence; (d) management of FCR. IMPLICATIONS: Survivorship support can be optimized by nurses by screening for FCR, offering psychosocial support for women at risk for FCR, teaching and reinforcing adaptive coping strategies.
Authors: Betty R Ferrell; Stephany L Smith; Kate S Ervin; Jennifer Itano; Cindy Melancon Journal: Psychooncology Date: 2003 Oct-Nov Impact factor: 3.894