Asian Oncol Nurs.  2024 Sep;24(3):125-134. 10.5388/aon.2024.24.3.125.

Fear of Cancer Recurrence and Unmet Needs in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivors

• Bae KR
• Kim SH

• KMID: 2559988
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5388/aon.2024.24.3.125

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to explore the fear of cancer recurrence and unmet needs in triple negative breast cancer survivors.
Methods
A cross-sectional descriptive design was used for this study. Data were collected from 331 triple negative breast cancer survivors using Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI) and the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool in cancer (CNAT). In addition, descriptive statistics, a t-test, and one-way ANOVA were used for analysis.
Results
Among triple-negative breast cancer survivors, 92.7% experienced fear of cancer recurrence, and 59.2% reported a severe fear of recurrence. The severity of fear of cancer recurrence differed significantly according to monthly household income (t=2.25, p=.025), cancer stage (F=4.26, p=.006), and recurrence history (t=-3.79, p<.001). Unmet needs were notably high, particularly in information and psychological problems. Furthermore, there were differences in unmet needs depending on the severity level of fear of cancer recurrence.
Conclusion
Most triple-negative breast cancer survivors experience fear of cancer recurrence, but management was found to be inadequate. Therefore, nursing interventions are needed to alleviate this fear. Additionally, unmet needs vary depending on the severity of the fear of cancer recurrence. It will be necessary to assess the fear of cancer recurrence among triple-negative breast cancer survivors and manage unmet needs according to its severity.

Keyword

Cross-sectional study; Fear; Needs assessment; Recurrence; Triple negative breast neoplasms