A systematic review of fear of cancer recurrence related healthcare use and intervention cost-effectiveness

Objective Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a common and burdensome psychological condition affecting cancer survivors. This systematic review aims to synthesise current evidence regarding: (1) FCR-related healthcare usage and costs and (2) the cost-effectiveness of FCR treatments. Methods We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane and other electronic databases using MeSH headings and keywords for cancer, FCR and costs from their inception to September 2019. Identified studies were screened for eligibility. Original, peer-reviewed journal articles reporting quantitative data from samples of adults treated for cancer written in English were included. Quality was appraised using the Drummond checklist for economic evaluations or the relevant Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool. Results Data from 11 studies were extracted and synthesised. Seven studies addressed the costs of FCR and suggested an increase in the use of primary and secondary healthcare. Four studies addressed the cost-effectiveness of different FCR treatments and suggest that some treatments may cost-effectively reduce FCR and improve quality of life. Reviewed treatments had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio between AU$3,233 and AU$152,050 per quality-adjusted life year gained when adjusted to 2019 Australian dollars. All studies were of sufficient quality to be synthesised in this review. Conclusions FCR appears to be associated with greater use of certain healthcare resources, and FCR may be treated cost-effectively. Thus, appropriate FCR treatments may not only reduce the individual burden, but also the strain on the healthcare system. Further high-quality research is needed to confirm this and ensure the future implementation of efficient and sustainable FCR treatments.