Initial validation of the Danish version of the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI) in colorectal cancer patients

PurposeThe Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI) is a multidimensional measure for fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the translated Danish version of the FCRI in a population of colorectal cancer patients.MethodsThe English version of the FCRI was forward-backward translated into Danish and pilot tested in a gynaecological cancer population. The psychometric properties of the FCRI were assessed in terms of responsiveness, test-retest reliability and discriminative and convergent validity in a population of colorectal cancer patients by asking them to complete questionnaires at three time points during follow-up. Clinical FCR was defined as 16 at the FCRI short form.ResultsThe participation rate was 57%. A low association was found between higher scores on the FCRI and younger age (r=-0.29, p=0.02). A moderate correlation was found between the FCRI score and a measure for worry traits (r=0.49, p<0.001). Mean difference in total FCRI score was statistically significant between pre-scan' and postscan' (p<0.001), thus indicating that the FCRI was responsive to change. The FCRI score showed good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation=0.84).ConclusionThe Danish version of the FCRI is a reliable and responsive measure for FCR in colorectal cancer patients and shows acceptable discriminative and convergent validity.Implications for Cancer SurvivorsA valid measure for FCR is crucial in order to identify patients with a need for special attention or interventions for high levels of FCR and to improve future research into FCR among cancer survivors.