People whose cancer has been successfully treated may fear it will return or progress. People fear needing further treatment, more life disruptions, or how further cancer might affect family and friends.
Information for cancer survivors and their families
- American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) website: Dealing with cancer recurrence (US)
- Cancer Council Victoria website: Fear of the cancer coming back
- Cancer Council podcast: The thing about cancer – Managing fear
- Springboard Beyond Cancer website: Fear of recurrence –self management (US)
- Canadian Cancer Survivor Network webinar: Fear of cancer recurrence - 5 ways to lessen your anxiety (CA)
Guidance documents
- Cancer Australia report (2014): Recommendations for the identification and management of fear of cancer recurrence in adult cancer survivors.
Additional resources for health professionals
If you would like to advise of any relevant services or provide feedback please email ACSC.
Projects
- A stepped-care approach to treat fear of cancer recurrence in melanoma survivors on immunotherapies or targeted therapies (Peter Mac) (current).
Principal investigator: Maria Ftanou, contact email: [email protected]
If you would like to advise of any relevant projects or provide feedback please email ACSC.
Clinical services at Peter Mac Parkville
The following services are available to patients of Peter Mac, Parkville. If you are treated elsewhere, please speak with your oncology team, as you may have different clinical service options.
- Time Out: Reduce stress and live better Time Out is a four-session group program that aims to help reduce stress and improve mood and wellbeing.
- Optimisation clinic This multidisciplinary outpatient clinic is for cancer survivors with complex needs. Services include a dietitian, psychologist, physiotherapist and occupational therapist.
- Wellbeing and psychosocial oncology seminars These sessions are run by experts. They address the ‘too hard to talk about’ issues while encouraging people facing cancer to live more meaningfully.
- Psychology services Psychologists use various approaches to help people with cancer and their families adjust to the emotional and psychological challenges of cancer.
Other clinical services in the Parkville precinct
Peter Mac is also part of the Parkville precinct (Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Women’s Hospital), with services listed separately, above. If you would like to advise of any relevant services or provide feedback please email, ACSC. If you are treated elsewhere, please speak with your oncology team, as you may have different clinical service options.
