Defining fear of cancer recurrence using Rodgers’ evolutionary concept analysis
Abstract
The concept of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is defined and analyzed. Methods: A systematic search was conducted for relevant literature on fear of cancer recurrence in Chinese databases, including CNKI, WanFang, Weipu, and the China Biomedical Literature Service System, as well as in English databases such as PubMed and Web of Science. Rodgers’ evolutionary concept analysis method was employed to analyze the selected literature. Results: Rodgers’ evolutionary concept analysis revealed that the concept of FCR encompassed psychological distress characteristics that dynamically evolved with disease manifestations. Antecedent variables included demographic factors, disease and treatment-related factors, psychological factors, and family and social influences. The consequences of this fear involved an exacerbation of negative emotional burdens among cancer patients, a detrimental impact on their health-related quality of life, and the emergence of maladaptive negative behaviors. Conclusion: FCR is a multidimensional and dynamic concept. Healthcare staff needs to incorporate FCR into clinical screening processes to improve the early identification of fear of cancer recurrence in cancer patients.
Copyright (c) 2025 Author(s)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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