Cognitive Emotional Regulation and Fear of Cancer Recurrence Among Breast Cancer Survivors

Background: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) among breast cancer patients is a distinct and highly conscious experience that significantly impacts emotional, cognitive, and behavioral domains. Cognitive emotion regulation plays a critical role in shaping the experience of FCR, requiring a conscious and cognitive method to manage the intake of emotionally arousing information including adaptive and maladaptive strategies. The aim of study was to assess cognitive emotion regulation and fear of cancer recurrence among breast cancer survivors. Methods: Research design: A descriptive cross- sectional study design was utilized in this study. Setting: This study was conducted at the radiation and chemical oncology outpatient clinic of Zagazig University Hospitals, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Participants: A purposive sample of 175 women from the above-mentioned setting was the participants of the study. Tools of data collection: Demographic and clinical data questionnaire, Fear of cancer recurrence inventory-shorter form and the cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire (CERQ). Results: The study results showed that more than half of studied survivors had a high level of FCR, and moderate level of cognitive emotion regulation. Furthermore, there was highly statistically significant negative correlation between total fear of cancer recurrence and cognitive emotion regulation. Conclusion: Cognitive emotion regulation was statistically significant negative predictor for fear of cancer recurrence. Recommendation: This study recommended cognitive behavioral therapy for breast cancer survivors in order to manage their fears and anxiety related to cancer recurrence.