Social support can alleviate the fear of cancer recurrence in postoperative patients with lung carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the status and influencing factors of the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in postoperative patients with lung carcinoma (LC).

METHODS

The survey results of 219 LC patients who underwent surgical treatment in a tertiary grade A cancer hospital in Beijing from January 2020 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed by using the general information questionnaire, Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF).

RESULTS

The score of the FoP-Q-SF was (25.68±3.15 points) in postoperative LC patients, and education level and per capita monthly household income were identified as the independent risk factors affecting FCR. There was an inverse correlation between FCR and social support in postoperative LC patients (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative LC patients experience a moderate-level of FCR, especially females and those with a low family income. Social support plays an essential role in alleviating FCR. Nursing suggestions should be given according to individual differences of patients, and social health service resources should be effectively utilized to reduce FCR.