From Fear to Adaptation: The Journey of Patients with Liver Cancer Living with the Fear of Cancer Recurrence

The study aimed to understand how patients with liver cancer experience and adapt to the fear of cancer recurrence, providing insights into psychological processes and strategies that can inform psycho-oncology research and interventions. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 patients with liver cancer from December 2019 to February 2020 and analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. Four theme clusters emerged: (1) "Inevitable reality of recurrence," which highlighted the acceptance of recurrence; (2) "Amplified fears," which reflected heightened emotional distress; (3) "Changes in daily life driven by fear," which illustrated lifestyle changes driven by uncertainty; and (4) "Living with fear," which described adaptive strategies and resilience. The findings highlight the need for targeted psycho-oncological approaches to address the fear of cancer recurrence in patients with liver cancer, supporting the development of resilience and enhancing their overall quality of life. Further research is essential to design tailored strategies that reduce psychological distress and promote long-term survivorship.