Managing Fear of Cancer Progression Metacognition-based Vs Supportive-expressive Based Approaches

Managing Fear of Cancer Progression Metacognition-based Vs Supportive-expressive Based Approaches: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The present study aims to conduct a randomized controlled trial to assess the effect of CALM intervention and ConquerFear intervention on fear of cancer progression among Chinese patients diagnosed with advanced cancer.

A randomized controlled trial will be conducted to assess the effect of CALM intervention and ConquerFear intervention on fear of cancer progression among Chinese patients diagnosed with advanced cancer.

The aims are to test:

1. the direct effect of CALM intervention or ConquerFear intervention on fear of cancer progression, and
2. the indirect effect of ConquerFear intervention on fear of cancer progression through its effect on maladaptive metacognition.

Primary hypothesis:

1. Patients receiving CALM intervention or ConquerFear intervention, compared to those receiving a basic cancer care intervention will show a reduction in fear of cancer progression.
2. Both CALM intervention and ConquerFear intervention will be equally effective in reducing fear of cancer progression.
3. Given ConquerFear intervention aims to modify unhelpful metacognitive beliefs, there will be an indirect effect of ConquerFear intervention on fear of cancer progression through its effect on maladaptive metacognition.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Cantonese- or Mandarin-speaking Chinese patients recently diagnosed with advanced or metastatic (i.e. stage III or IV) cancer
• are the age of 18 years or above

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with major communication difficulties
• are being unwilling or unable to commit 6 psychotherapy sessions