Fear of recurrence among gynaecological cancer survivors: A qualitative study

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the in-depth perception fear of recurrence among survived gynaecological cancer. This study was conducted on 10 participants in one of the referral hospitals in Jakarta for a period of four months using the qualitative descriptive method. A purposive sampling method. The data were collected through in-depth interviews. This study revealed two themes. The first theme had two sub-themes, lack of family support and the sources of information that may not necessarily be accurate and can trigger fear of recurrence. Based on these factors, various responses to fear of recurrence were observed, i.e. anxious thoughts, screening examinations, and after completion of cancer treatment therapies. Survivors of gynaecological cancer exhibited various trigger factors for relapse fears as well as various responses that affect their psychological conditions. It is expected that health services will cover all phases of treatments.