Many survivors of localized melanoma fear recurrence despite favorable prognosis
Source: Healio, March 2024
Despite the high cure rate of localized cutaneous melanoma, many patients who undergo successful surgical resection experience severe anxiety and fear about the possibility of recurrence, according to findings published in JAMA Dermatology.
Researchers conducted a qualitative and survey-based study that included 51 patients who underwent surgery for stage 0 to stage IIA melanoma.
Investigators used semistructured interviews and the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory Short Form (FCRI-SF) survey tool to evaluate survivorship experience, including fear of recurrence.