Facilitating Adaptive Coping With Fear of Recurrence Among Breast Cancer Survivors

"Interventionists will provide a brief explanation of the intervention and coaching to the group on how to utilize the resources provided. Prior to the single session group, EUC participants will have received a workbook with the National Cancer Institute's Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment booklet on maximizing quality of life during cancer survivorship and the American Society of Clinical Oncology's Guide to Cancer Survivorship."

Interventionists will support participants in adopting a psychologically flexible posture toward FCR through six interdependent processes of change - acceptance, cognitive defusion, mindfulness, perspective taking, values, and committed action. During ACT sessions, participants will learn to respond adaptively to FCR by being more fully aware of thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judging or attempting to control or avoid them. Participants will also clarify their deeply-held values and set action goals in alignment with their values.

Interventionists will provide psycho-education on the cognitive behavioral model of FCR and assist participants in changing unhelpful thinking patterns and maladaptive behaviors linked to FCR. Session topics will include FCR triggers, behavioral experiments to reduce FCR-perpetuating safety behaviors, and pleasant events scheduling. Interventionists will also provide evidence-based information on behaviors that may reduce recurrence risk (e.g., achieving a healthy weight, physical activity, cancer surveillance).