59% of people who manage to overcome their cancer are subsequently distressed at the idea that the disease will return.
- Cancer is a disease caused by the transformation of cells that become abnormal and proliferate excessively.
- These deregulated cells eventually form a mass called a malignant tumour.
More and more people are overcoming their cancer, in particular thanks to the improvement of prevention and care. But even out of trouble, ex-patients are often very afraid of relapsing, according to a new study.
Young people and women more preoccupied
59% of survivors say they are often bothered by the possible return of the disease, and 19% say that it paralyzes them. Young people and women affected by cancer also expressed more concern than others about the future. These new figures were taken from the synthesis of 46 studies on the subject, in 13 different countries. Further research is needed to identify which ex-patients would be likely to want psychological support, and how to provide it.
“Knowing the prevalence and severity of fear of cancer recurrence is important, as it is essential to shape health care delivery and research into this phenomenon,” also said the author of the study Yvonne Luigjes-Huizer.
382,000 new cases of cancer per year
In 2018, 382,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in France. On average, the disease begins at age 68 for men and 67 for women. “The latest estimates describe a rather encouraging situation in men, with a decrease in incidence or stability for the most frequent cancers. On the other hand, the evolution of the incidence of lung cancer in women is considered to be worrying”, analyzes the INCa (National Cancer Institute).
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