Internet-based intervention for managing fear of cancer recurrence in survivors

Conquering Fear Online: a Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial Assessing the Efficacy and Feasibility of an Internet-based Self-management Intervention on Subclinical Fear of Cancer Recurrence

Not applicable Interventional The University of Hong Kong · NCT06207006

This study is testing an online program to help cancer survivors manage their fear of cancer coming back and see if it makes them feel better overall.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment48 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT06207006 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to adapt a metacognition-based intervention called eConquerFear-HK into an internet-based self-management program for cancer survivors experiencing subclinical fear of cancer recurrence. It will evaluate the feasibility, utility, and potential effectiveness of this program through a randomized controlled trial involving local Chinese cancer survivors. Participants will be assessed on their fear of cancer recurrence, psychological distress, and quality of life before and after the intervention. The study will also measure participant satisfaction and completion rates to determine the intervention's acceptability.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Cantonese- or Mandarin-speaking Chinese cancer survivors recently diagnosed with stage 0 to III colorectal or breast cancer who have completed primary treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with metastatic cancer, current psychological disorders, or those lacking internet access may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce fear of cancer recurrence and improve the quality of life for cancer survivors.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using internet-based interventions for psychological support in cancer survivors, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Cantonese- or Mandarin-speaking Chinese cancer survivors
* recently diagnosed with potentially curable (stage 0 to III) colorectal or breast cancer
* had recently completed surgery as primary treatment
* have completed hospital-based adjuvant treatments (including radiotherapy and chemotherapy) within the past six months
* scored 13 to 21 on the fear of cancer recurrence-short form will be recruited.

Exclusion Criteria:

* non-Chinese ethnicity
* metastatic cancer
* with current diagnosis of depression or psychosis or are currently receiving psychological treatments
* language or intellectual difficulties that prevent them from understanding the intervention content
* having limited or no Internet access.

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions CancerPsychooncologyFear of Cancer Recurrence
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.