Construction of a psychological intervention program to support fear of recurrence in patients with cervical cancer.

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer, a prevalent gynecological malignancy, exhibits recurrence rates of 30%-50% post-treatment, with recurrent cases facing a dire 10%-20% long-term survival rate, severely impacting patients' mental health and quality of life. Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) emerges as a critical psychological challenge, often leading to anxiety, social avoidance, and even suicidal tendencies. Despite its high prevalence, structured, evidence-based interventions for FCR in cervical cancer remain scarce, with most studies focusing on general psychological support rather than targeted strategies. The fear of progression theory provides a theoretical framework, highlighting cognitive-emotional conflicts arising from perceived threats of disease recurrence. Addressing this gap, this study developed a specialized, phased psychological intervention program grounded in fear of progression theory, aiming to reduce FCR and enhance resilience in cervical cancer survivors through multi-disciplinary strategies.

Aim: To establish a psychological intervention program to support the fear of cervical cancer recurrence and to alleviate the psychological pressure of patients after cervical cancer surgery.

Methods: Thirteen experts were selected to conduct two rounds of correspondence through literature review and group discussions to amend the psychological intervention draft and form the basis for the psychological intervention. The selected experts also performed two rounds of correspondence to revise the psychological intervention draft and outline the first draft, and pre-experiments were conducted for further improvement of the psychological intervention program. Experiments were performed in 80 patients with cervical cancer to further improve the psychological intervention program of relapse fear support.

Results: The expert authority coefficient of the first and second rounds was higher than 0.8, indicating high authority. The coordination coefficient > 0.8 indicated high consistency with high significance (all P < 0.05). The FCR Inventory, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Psychological Distress Thermometer, and General Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores at 3 and 6 months in the study group were lower than those of the control group, and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 and Perceived Social Support Scale scores were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The psychological intervention program of relapse fear support which considers the individual differences between patients and expert opinions, has a good scientific and practical basis, and can be used to enhance the quality of life of patients.