Fear or worry about cancer returning or progressing (FCR) is a central concern reported by cancer survivors and family members and friends providing informal care. Estimates suggest similar prevalence across both groups. At high levels, FCR is associated with poorer psychological outcomes, including increased levels of anxiety and depression. Research involving survivor-carer dyads suggests a reciprocal relationship; where heightened FCR in one partner is associated with increased FCR in the other. This is significant because most FCR interventions focus on individuals rather than dyads.
Communicating about their fears may be challenging for many survivors and families. FCR-related difficulties include avoidance of illness-related conversations, negative communication patterns, or self-protective behaviours such as keeping worry to oneself. Whilst these strategies may alleviate fear and worry in the moment, evidence suggests that over time these patterns and behaviours may play a role in keeping FCR levels high. Despite this, few studies have explored the nature and impact of survivor-carer communication, meaning a potentially important mechanism contributing to persistent FCR may be being overlooked.
This talk will explore how survivors and carers communicate about FCR, drawing on a large research program spanning mixed methods, systematic reviews, qualitative studies, and quantitative daily diary study examining couples’ FCR communication. Insights into common communication patterns, challenges, and coping strategies will be presented. Implications for clinical practice and future directions for interventions will also be outlined, including education about the potential impacts of closed communication patterns and strategies to promote open and supportive communication about FCR. This talk highlights the importance of considering survivor-family communication when addressing FCR, given the reciprocal and interrelated nature of fear and coping within close relationships.