Little is known about the severity, impact, and strategies used to cope with fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander breast cancer survivors, despite extensive FCR research in breast cancer survivors generally.
Aim To quantify FCR levels among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women diagnosed with breast cancer and understand their experiences and coping strategies.
Methods Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander breast cancer survivors (n=19) completed the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI), which includes subscales assessing severity, distress, coping strategies, and reassurance. Total FCR and sub-scale scores were calculated. A subset of participants (n=10) also completed a semi-structured interview with researchers about their experiences of FCR, which was analysed thematically.
Results Participants reported a relatively high total FCR score (M = 71, SD = 29.84, range = 0 -168) - higher than FCR reported in studies among Australian breast cancer survivors. 42.1% reported clinically significant FCR (FCRI-Short Form [SF] ≥22) and 36.8% reported sub-clinical FCR (FCRI-SF 13-21). Thematic analysis of qualitative data found that while some participants experience significant and persistent FCR, many drew on strengths such as cultural identity, family, and a resilient mindset to cope. The importance of communication with health care providers about FCR and culturally safe and appropriate support for FCR in hospitals were highlighted.
Conclusions
This project is the first to assess FCR among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander breast cancer survivors. Next we aim to identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s recommendations and strategies to improve Fear of Cancer Recurrence and appropriate clinical pathways to improve Fear of Cancer Recurrence care. These results will inform development of effective and appropriate supportive care interventions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women diagnosed with breast cancer.