School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia.
Wellbeing and Preventable Chronic Diseases Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, NT 0810, Australia.
Curr Oncol. 2023 Feb 28;30(3):2900-2915. doi: 10.3390/curroncol30030222.
Little is known about the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) severity, coping strategies, or quality of life impacts for Indigenous populations. This mixed-methods study aimed to (1) quantify FCR levels among Indigenous Australian (i.e., Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) breast cancer survivors and (2) qualitatively explore experiences of FCR and the coping strategies used. Nineteen participants completed the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI); ten also completed a semi-structured interview. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed. Average FCR levels (Mean FCRI Total Score = 71.0, SD = 29.8) were higher than in previous studies of Australian breast cancer survivors, and 79% of participants reported sub-clinical or greater FCR (FCRI-Short Form ≥ 13/36). Qualitative themes revealed the pervasiveness of FCR, its impact on family, and exacerbation by experience/family history of comorbid health issues. Cultural identity, family, and a resilient mindset aided coping skills. Greater communication with healthcare providers about FCR and culturally safe and appropriate FCR care were desired. This study is the first to assess FCR among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander breast cancer survivors, extending the limited literature on FCR in Indigenous populations. Results suggest FCR is a significant issue in this population and will inform the development of culturally appropriate interventions to aid coping and improve quality of life.
人们对澳大利亚原住民（即土著和托雷斯海峡岛民）乳腺癌幸存者的癌症复发恐惧（FCR）严重程度、应对策略或生活质量影响知之甚少。这项混合方法研究旨在：（1）量化澳大利亚原住民乳腺癌幸存者的 FCR 水平；（2）定性探索 FCR 的体验以及使用的应对策略。19 名参与者完成了癌症复发恐惧量表（FCRI）；其中 10 名还完成了半结构化访谈。对访谈记录进行了主题分析。平均 FCR 水平（平均 FCRI 总分=71.0，标准差=29.8）高于澳大利亚乳腺癌幸存者先前研究中的水平，79%的参与者报告存在亚临床或更高水平的 FCR（FCRI-Short Form ≥13/36）。定性主题揭示了 FCR 的普遍性、对家庭的影响以及经历/家族共病健康问题史的加剧。文化认同、家庭和弹性思维有助于应对技能。参与者希望与医疗保健提供者就 FCR 进行更多沟通，并提供文化安全和适当的 FCR 护理。这项研究首次评估了澳大利亚原住民乳腺癌幸存者的 FCR，扩展了关于原住民群体中 FCR 的有限文献。结果表明，FCR 是该人群中的一个重大问题，这将为制定文化上适当的干预措施提供信息，以帮助应对并提高生活质量。
