Fear of Cancer Recurrence as Reminder About Death: Lived Experiences of Cancer Survivors’ Spouses

Abstract

Fear of cancer recurrence is the most prevalent and burdensome emotional concern among cancer survivors’ spouses after treatment. This qualitative study aimed to reveal death-related experiences of spouses of cancer survivors in remission, in the context of fear of cancer recurrence. Seven spouses (aged 35–56), four women and three men were explored. Data were obtained using an unstructured interview and analyzed by inductive thematic analysis. The spouses associate cancer relapse with death, risk of losing their spouse. The threat of death triggers not only the feelings of insecurity, uncertainty about the future and loss of control, but also appreciation of life, focus on positive aspects in relationships. Planning for the “worst” scenarios and avoidance helped spouses to reduce tension and enhance control. Interventions for spouses should focus on promotion of emotional expression of death related concerns underlying fear of relapse, also developing new coping strategies to accept and tolerate uncertainty.