Psychological care to reduce fear and stress in patients with melanoma

This study investigated the effectiveness of psychological care (PC) in melanoma patients with fear of recurrence (when the cancer comes back). Researchers suggested that PC was associated with a decrease of fear and stress related to the cancer.   

Follow-up of the melanoma patient is important for detecting cancer recurrence and progression. Some melanoma patients have a higher risk of recurrence, and may experience a high fear of recurrence. Prior studies showed that 72% of melanoma patients have this fear. Some of these patients also experience anxiety and depression, which is associated with delays in seeking medical care and poor cancer follow-up. No studies have investigated reducing recurrence fear in early-stage melanoma patients.   

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of PC in high-risk early-stage melanoma patients.

This study included 164 patients. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 3 sessions of PC over 1 month or to receive usual care (no PC). Patients were followed-up at 1 month, and 6 months after starting PC. Factors such as stress, anxiety and depression were assessed.

At 6 months, the recurrence fear was lower when compared to the group without PC. Lower levels of stress and improved melanoma knowledge were also reported. 

This study determined PC was important to reduce fear and stress in patients with high risk of another melanoma.   

Ask your physician about your need for psychological care.