Fear of Recurrence in Prostate Cancer Patients: A Cross-sectional Study After Radical Prostatectomy or Active Surveillance

Abstract

Background

Fear of recurrence (FoR) is a distressing consequence of cancer. Little is known about the prevalence of FoR in different treatment groups and factors associated with FoR among prostate cancer (PCa) survivors.

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of high FoR among PCa survivors after radical prostatectomy (RP) or under active surveillance (AS) and to explore clinical and psychological factors potentially associated with FoR.

Design, setting, and participants

This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of 606 patients with PCa, treated with either RP ( n = 442) or AS ( n = 164) at two Norwegian regional hospitals. The 440 patients (73%) who gave consent to participate were invited in 2017 to complete a questionnaire measuring FoR, self-rated health, adverse effects, and psychological factors at a mean of 4.1 yr (standard deviation 1.7) after their treatment decision. Clinical data were retrieved from medical records.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

FoR was measured using the Concerns About Recurrence Questionnaire, with high FoR defined as a sum score of =12 points (range 0–40). Using multivariable logistic regression analyses, factors associated with high FoR were identified.

Results and limitations

One-third of the participants had high FoR; scores were higher in the AS group and in the RP group with treatment failure. Younger age was significantly associated with high FoR in the AS group, while high prostate-specific antigen at diagnosis, biochemical recurrence, positive surgical margin, higher fatigue, and a type D personality were significantly associated with high FoR in the RP group.

Conclusions

At 4 yr after a diagnosis of PCa, high FoR was common, especially among AS patients and among RP patients with treatment failure.

Patient summary

In this study, we examined fear that their disease will return or progress among prostate cancer survivors. We found that such fear was common, especially among young patients under active surveillance and among radical prostatectomy patients with treatment failure or with certain psychological features.

Take Home Message

Among prostate cancer survivors, fear of recurrence is common when on active surveillance and after radical prostatectomy with treatment failure. Lower age, high prostate-specific antigen at diagnosis, a positive surgical margin, biochemical recurrence, and certain psychological characteristics were associated with high fear of recurrence.