Risk Factors for Fear of Recurrence in Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

Objective: Fear of recurrence (FoR) affects the quality of life of head and neck cancer survivors. Identification of factors predisposing to FoR may help to recognize and treat patients at risk.

Materials And Methods: For this exploratory study, 101 disease-free head and neck cancer survivors completed a cross-sectional survey in 2017 that included the FoR questionnaire at a random point in time during their follow-up. Additionally, the patients were asked to choose their favorite among four follow-up schedules with or without systematic imaging and varying frequency of visits.

Results: Elevated FoR was present in 36.6% of patients. Females and patients ≤65 years showed significantly higher FoR overall scores than males (score difference 3.40; CI 0.49-6.32; p = 0.022) and patients >65 years (score difference 4.25; CI 1.58-6.92; p = 0.002). A history of cancer recurrence or second primary malignancy increased the relative risk (RR) for elevated FoR (RR 1.7; CI 1.01-2.86; p = 0.046). Tumor stage and treatment modality were not significantly associated with elevated FoR or FoR overall score. Higher FoR overall scores were recorded in patients who favored intensive follow-up plans (mean overall FoR score 18 vs. 15; SD 7.7; p = 0.076) and systematic imaging in follow-up (17 vs. 13, SD 7.1; p = 0.034).

Conclusion: Fear of recurrence in head and neck cancer patients is associated with female sex, younger age, and history of a past recurrence or second primary malignancy. Due to its high prevalence, it should be addressed in clinical practice and future research.

Level Of Evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 133:1630-1637, 2023.