A qualitative study on the feasibility and acceptability of a primary care intervention for fear of cancer recurrence

Yvonne L. Luigjes-Huizer; Melanie P.J. Schellekens; Niek J. de Wit; Charles W. Helsper; Sophie I. van Dongen; Anne S. van Roozendaal; Rosalie A.M. van Woezik; Marije L. van der Lee

doi:10.1177/13591053251345579

A qualitative study on the feasibility and acceptability of a primary care intervention for fear of cancer recurrence

Yvonne L. Luigjes-Huizer
, Melanie P.J. Schellekens
, Niek J. de Wit
, Charles W. Helsper
, Sophie I. van Dongen
, Anne S. van Roozendaal
, Rosalie A.M. van Woezik
, Marije L. van der Lee^*

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review

Abstract

Specialized care for fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) exists, but there remains a need for easily accessible interventions for moderate FCR. Recently, a short primary care intervention was shown to be effective in reducing FCR. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention by interviewing patients (n = 9) and mental health workers (MHWs; n = 13). The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. The intervention was appreciated for being recognizable, adaptable and stimulating self-management. The combination of an online program and sessions with a mental health worker was also appreciated. The program appeared less suitable for patients lacking certain digital or language skills. The primary care setting was considered very suitable for the intervention, as it addresses both physical and psychosocial complaints. In conclusion, we recommend implementing the program in practice as it is considered feasible and acceptable and has previously been shown effective in reducing FCR.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	1152-1163
Number of pages	12
Journal	Journal of Health Psychology
Volume	31
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/13591053251345579
Publication status	Published - Mar 2026
Externally published	Yes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2025. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) which permits any use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access page (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

acceptability
fear of cancer recurrence
feasibility
primary care
qualitative research

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10.1177/13591053251345579Licence: CC BY

luigjes-huizer-et-al-2025-a-qualitative-study-on-the-feasibility-and-acceptability-of-a-primary-care-intervention-forFinal published version, 304 KBLicence: CC BY

Cite this

Luigjes-Huizer, Y. L., Schellekens, M. P. J., de Wit, N. J., Helsper, C. W., van Dongen, S. I., van Roozendaal, A. S., van Woezik, R. A. M., & van der Lee, M. L. (2026). A qualitative study on the feasibility and acceptability of a primary care intervention for fear of cancer recurrence. Journal of Health Psychology, 31(3), 1152-1163. https://doi.org/10.1177/13591053251345579

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abstract = "Specialized care for fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) exists, but there remains a need for easily accessible interventions for moderate FCR. Recently, a short primary care intervention was shown to be effective in reducing FCR. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention by interviewing patients (n = 9) and mental health workers (MHWs; n = 13). The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. The intervention was appreciated for being recognizable, adaptable and stimulating self-management. The combination of an online program and sessions with a mental health worker was also appreciated. The program appeared less suitable for patients lacking certain digital or language skills. The primary care setting was considered very suitable for the intervention, as it addresses both physical and psychosocial complaints. In conclusion, we recommend implementing the program in practice as it is considered feasible and acceptable and has previously been shown effective in reducing FCR.",

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A qualitative study on the feasibility and acceptability of a primary care intervention for fear of cancer recurrence

Abstract

Bibliographical note

UN SDGs

Keywords

Access to Document

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