TY - JOUR
T1 - A qualitative study on the feasibility and acceptability of a primary care intervention for fear of cancer recurrence
AU - Luigjes-Huizer, Yvonne L.
AU - Schellekens, Melanie P.J.
AU - de Wit, Niek J.
AU - Helsper, Charles W.
AU - van Dongen, Sophie I.
AU - van Roozendaal, Anne S.
AU - van Woezik, Rosalie A.M.
AU - van der Lee, Marije L.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2025. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) which permits any use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access page (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).
PY - 2026/3
Y1 - 2026/3
N2 - Specialized care for fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) exists, but there remains a need for easily accessible interventions for moderate FCR. Recently, a short primary care intervention was shown to be effective in reducing FCR. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention by interviewing patients (
n = 9) and mental health workers (MHWs;
n = 13). The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. The intervention was appreciated for being recognizable, adaptable and stimulating self-management. The combination of an online program and sessions with a mental health worker was also appreciated. The program appeared less suitable for patients lacking certain digital or language skills. The primary care setting was considered very suitable for the intervention, as it addresses both physical and psychosocial complaints. In conclusion, we recommend implementing the program in practice as it is considered feasible and acceptable and has previously been shown effective in reducing FCR.
AB - Specialized care for fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) exists, but there remains a need for easily accessible interventions for moderate FCR. Recently, a short primary care intervention was shown to be effective in reducing FCR. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention by interviewing patients (
n = 9) and mental health workers (MHWs;
n = 13). The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. The intervention was appreciated for being recognizable, adaptable and stimulating self-management. The combination of an online program and sessions with a mental health worker was also appreciated. The program appeared less suitable for patients lacking certain digital or language skills. The primary care setting was considered very suitable for the intervention, as it addresses both physical and psychosocial complaints. In conclusion, we recommend implementing the program in practice as it is considered feasible and acceptable and has previously been shown effective in reducing FCR.
KW - acceptability
KW - fear of cancer recurrence
KW - feasibility
KW - primary care
KW - qualitative research
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105031374622
U2 - 10.1177/13591053251345579
DO - 10.1177/13591053251345579
M3 - Article
C2 - 40635446
SN - 1359-1053
VL - 31
SP - 1152
EP - 1163
JO - Journal of Health Psychology
JF - Journal of Health Psychology
IS - 3
ER -