The Impact of Fear of Cancer Recurrence on Healthcare Utilization Among Long-Term Breast Cancer Survivors Recruited Through ECOG-ACRIN Trials
Menée aux Etats-Unis par enquête auprès de 505 patientes âgées de moins de 45 ans et de 622 patientes âgées de 55 à 70 ans toutes ayant survécu entre 3 et 8 ans à un cancer du sein, cette étude transversale analyse l'association entre la peur de la récidive et l'utilisation des soins de santé
Objective : To examine the relationship between fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and healthcare utilization among long-term breast cancer survivors (BCS). Methods : In a cross-sectional survey study, 505 younger survivors (YS: ≤45 years) and 622 older survivors (OS: 55-70 years) 3-8 years from diagnosis completed a questionnaire assessing demographics, medical history, FCR, and healthcare utilization. Healthcare utilization consisted of breast cancer (BC) and non-BC-related routine and non-routine utilization. Results : YS had significantly higher FCR than OS (p<.01). Independent of age, FCR was significantly associated with all three types of BC-related utilization (p<.05). In the multivariate models, we found a significant, positive interaction effect between FCR and increased comorbidities on non-routine BC appointments (p=.01) and BC-related emergency room visits (p=.03). Additionally, comorbidities were associated with non-BC related utilization (p<.01), and non-whites were more likely to utilize non-routine resources, both BC and non-BC related (p<.01). Conclusions : Increased FCR has been associated with hypervigilance among survivors and may lead to increased healthcare utilization. YS are at higher risk for increased FCR and psychosocial concerns, which may lead to overutilization. Providers should be aware that higher FCR may be related to increased use of healthcare resources and that these patients might be better served with supportive resources to increase quality of life and decrease inappropriate utilization. While this study provides increased evidence of the relationship between FCR and healthcare utilization, interventions are needed for survivors at risk to address unmet needs, especially as life expectancy increases among BCS.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Psycho-Oncology 2020