Author:

Keywords:

vrees voor herval, borstkanker, trekangst, somatosore amplificatie

Abstract:

This study investigates the fear of breast cancer recurrence and its relationship with trait anxiety and somatosensory amplification. Fifty-six former Belgian breast cancer patients participated in a questionnaire study which included the ‘Fear of Recurrence Questionnaire’ (Northouse, 1981), the ’Somatosensory Amplification Scale’ (Barsky et al., 1988) and the ‘State-Trait Anxiety Inventory’ (Spielberger et al., 1983). Results indicated that the majority experienced fear of cancer recurrence. Participants who were more vigilant to somatic arousal, reported more fear of disease recurrence. Results are discussed in terms of the prevention of fear of recurrence.