Validation Study for the Korean Version of Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is one of the most prevalent unmet psychosocial needs. This study aimed to confirm the cultural equivalence, reliability, and validity of the Korean version of Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (K-FCRI). We conducted a forward–backward translation of the English version FCRI to Korean version through meticulous process including transcultural equivalence test. The psychometric property of the K-FCRI was then validated in 444 survivors from cancers at various sites. The Korean translation was accepted well by participants. There was a good cultural equivalence between the Korean version and the English version of FCRI. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the original seven-factor structure with slightly insufficient level of goodness-of-fit indices (comparative fit index = 0.900, non-normed fit index = 0.893, root mean square error of approximation = 0.060). The K-FCRI had high internal consistency (α = 0.85 for total scale and α = 0.77–0.87 for subscales) and test-retest reliability (r = 0.90 for total scale and r = 0.54–0.84 for subscales). The K-FCRI had significant correlations with the Korean version of Fear of Progression Questionnaire, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Version 3.0, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Fatigue Severity Score, supporting the good construct validity and psychometric properties of K-FCRI. The K-FCRI was confirmed as a valid and reliable psychometric test for measuring FCR of Korean survivors from cancers at various sites.

Management of long-term thyroid cancer survivors in Korea

Recently, thyroid cancer survivors are rapidly increasing in Korea, up to 21% of 1,234,879 total cancer survivors in 2012. The survival rate after thyroid cancer treatment is high, but many of the survivors suffer from fatigue, depressive mood and anxiety. Rarely, thyroid cancer treatment can result in long-term complications such as voice change and hypocalcemia. Thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression for preventing recurrence of thyroid cancer might lower bone density and increase risk of cardiovascular diseases including atrial fibrillation. For thyroid cancer survivorship care-management of such long-term complications, comorbid conditions and psychosocial problems, second primary cancer screening, promotion of healthy behaviors, support for family caregivers, role of primary care physicians is important. Systematic shared care between oncologists and primary care physicians is expected. And further research to generate evidence regarding effective management of thyroid cancer survivors is needed.