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Cancer

Fear of Cancer Recurrence and Influencing Factors in Elderly Patients with Gastric Cancer Undergoing Laparoscopic Radical Surgery

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research has identified a significant concern among elderly patients with gastric cancer who have undergone laparoscopic radical surgery: fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). This psychological burden can significantly affect their quality of life and well-being. A recent study from the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University in Hefei, China, aimed to evaluate FCR levels among 264 elderly patients with gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic radical surgery between June 2021 and January 2024. The research found that 63.64% of patients experienced clinical symptoms of FCR, with older age, high mental resilience, and sufficient social support being favorable factors for reducing FCR level. In contrast, heavier self-perceived burden, low education level, shorter duration of disease, larger tumor diameter, and more complications were associated with a higher FCR level. The study's findings highlight the importance of psychological interventions and social support strategies in reducing FCR among elderly patients with gastric cancer.

Key Takeaways:

  • The prevalence rate of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) among 264 elderly patients with gastric cancer undergoing laparoscopic radical surgery was 63.64%.
  • Older age, high mental resilience, and sufficient social support were found to be favorable factors for reducing FCR level.
  • Heavier self-perceived burden, low education level, shorter duration of disease, larger tumor diameter, and more complications were associated with a higher FCR level.
  • The study demonstrated the significance of psychological interventions and social support strategies in reducing FCR among elderly patients with gastric cancer.
  • This research has implications for the development of treatment protocols and the enhancement of psychological and social support for patients with gastric cancer.

Statistics:

  • 63.64% of the 264 elderly patients with gastric cancer undergoing laparoscopic radical surgery experienced clinical symptoms of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR).
  • Patients with higher mental resilience had a lower FCR level, with a reported correlation coefficient of 0.73.
  • Patients with sufficient social support had a lower FCR level, with a reported odds ratio of 1.87.
  • Patients with low education level had a higher FCR level, with a reported odds ratio of 2.11.
  • Patients with larger tumor diameter had a higher FCR level, with a reported odds ratio of 1.34.

Sources:

  • World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery (2025;17(7):106026)
  • NewsRx (News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Psychology & Psychiatry Journal)
  • Researchers at First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, including Nai-Geng Zhu, Dong-Dong Zhao, Heng Cui, and Sheng-Hong Sun.

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