Erschienen in:
07.03.2015 | Head and Neck
A single-item screening question for fear of recurrence in head and neck cancer
verfasst von:
Simon N. Rogers, Ben Cross, Cyrus Talwar, Derek Lowe, Gerry Humphris
Erschienen in:
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
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Ausgabe 5/2016
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Abstract
Fear of recurrence (FoR) is the most frequent concern patients wish to discuss in head and neck review clinics. The aim of the study was to design a simple screening question on fear of recurrence to be incorporated into the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QOLv4), for use in clinical practice. A cross-sectional survey comprising 528 patients was conducted. 11 % selected the two most severe FoR categories. FoR responses correlated strongly (Spearman r
s = −0.82) with the mean score of the seven items of the Fear of Recurrence Questionnaire. There was also a strong association with anxiety and mood dysfunction as measured from the UW-QOL, and with overall QOL. Patients more affected by FoR tended to be younger and post-radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The FoR screening question may be a useful addition to the UW-QOLv4 to help identify patients with significant FoR to receive extra support.