It's Time to Address Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Family Caregivers: Online Version of the Fear Of Recurrence Therapy

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is common, persistent, and is associated with negative outcomes. Studies show that family caregivers (FC) of cancer patients experience equal or greater levels of FCR than patients themselves. In the past 5 years, several interventions have demonstrated their ability to reduce FCR among cancer patients, including a group intervention called Fear of Recurrence Therapy (FORT). However, none have ever been adapted and offered to caregivers. The goals of the proposed study are to demonstrate 1) that a newly adapted intervention of FORT (FC-FORT) is feasible (i.e., participant recruitment, attendance and participation) and acceptable (i.e., FC satisfaction of the intervention) for a larger study, and 2) the clinical implications of FC- FORT on FCR and quality of life. An advisory board composed of researchers, therapists, and FC was created to adapt FORT for FC and to an online format. FC and therapists are currently being recruited to conduct a usability study of the newly adapted FC-FORT. They will be asked to complete a session feedback questionnaire after each session and to take part in an exit interview. The content of these will be summarized back to the advisory board in order to further refine FC-FORT. Following a successful usability study, FC-FORT will be given to four groups of nine new FC (pilot study). Participants will be recruited directly by clinicians and by outreach mailout efforts. They will complete a questionnaire package before and after the intervention, as well as at a three month follow up. The proposed study is needed to determine if an already developed FCR intervention can be adapted to family caregivers and if it can be successfully pilot tested. This will help bridge an important gap in bringing evidence-based care to caregivers who have never been offered help before for their FCR. The proposed project will also allow to further feasibility and acceptability of E-Health interventions.

Sex

Female

Minimum age

18 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Female adult FC caring for an adult cancer survivor of any type of cancer type, stages I-III, who has completed treatments and has not had a recurrence of their cancer;
* A score of 13 or greater on the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Short Form (range 0-36), suggesting clinical levels of FCR;
* Access to a computer and stable internet connection;
* Living in Canada.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals who do not identify as female;
* Family caregiver of a pediatric cancer survivor;
* Non-English speaking;
* Currently participating in another therapist-led psychosocial support group or a peer-led support group;
* Individuals with unmanaged/undermanaged mental health disorder judged to be clinically contra-indicated and/or likely to affect the group work.

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• DERIVEDLamarche J, Nissim R, Avery J, Wong J, Maheu C, Lambert SD, Laizner AM, Jones J, Esplen MJ, Lebel S. It is Time to Address Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Family Caregivers: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Randomized Pilot Study of the Family Caregiver Version of the Fear of Recurrence Therapy (FC-FORT). Psychooncology. 2025 Feb;34(2):e70084. doi: 10.1002/pon.70084. PMID 39887474
• DERIVEDLamarche J, Nissim R, Avery J, Wong J, Maheu C, Lambert SD, Laizner AM, Jones J, Esplen MJ, Lebel S. It is time to address fear of cancer recurrence in family caregivers: protocol for the feasibility and acceptability of a randomized pilot study of the online version of the Family Caregiver-Fear Of Recurrence Therapy (FC-FORT). Pilot Feasibility Stud. 2024 Nov 19;10(1):143. doi: 10.1186/s40814-024-01567-4.