JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Cancer patients and survivors may experience the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), the preoccupation for a progression or recurrence of cancer. During the spread of the new coronavirus of 2019 (COVID - 19), patients and survivors experienced increased levels of FCR. Hence, there has been a greater need to identify effective evidence-based treatments to help people coping with FCR. Remotely delivered interventions might provide a valuable means to address FCR in cancer patients. Current evidence shows that face-to-face psychological interventions for FCR are feasible, acceptable, and efficacious for managing FCR. However, there is no specific data on which interventions are most effective, when remotely delivered. The aim of this scoping review is firstly to discuss the available psychological interventions for the FCR, based on traditional CBTs or contemporary CBTs, in particular mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Secondly to explore whether and how a combination of face-to-face and automated delivered psychological interventions might provide benefits in relieving FCR. A possible approach based on the retrieved literature will be proposed.