[Handling fear of cancer recurrence].

Abstract

Some fear of cancer recurrence is normal and may even be adaptive. However, high levels of anxiety may become problematic as it often results in for example sleeping problems, rumination, avoiding (incl. medical appointments) and/or physical complaints. For general practitioners and specialists it is important to recognizing this fear, discuss and ask questions about it and know how to intervene and refer. Validation and psychoeducation may be sufficient when fear is relatively low and manageable. When fear starts to interfere with normal life referral to a psychologist in the hospital or specialized mental health services for an evidence based treatment may be appropriate.