CompletedNAINTERVENTIONAL

Adapting The Fear Of Recurrence Therapy (FORT) for Parents and Establishing Acceptability and Feasibility

Many parents of children who have had cancer worry a lot that the cancer might return. This worry, called 'fear of cancer recurrence' (FCR), can make life harder and cause stress. While there are some ways to help adults with FCR, there's nothing specifically for parents of childhood cancer survivors. This pilot study is testing a new group therapy called Parent-FORT. It wants to find out if this therapy is practical and well-liked by parents, and if it can help reduce their fear and improve their quality of life. Parents will join online group sessions and fill out questionnaires to help researchers understand if Parent-FORT is a good step forward for these families.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Ottawa

Enrolment target

Start

26 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

26 May 2027

Cancer Parent Fear of Cancer Recurrence CBT Childhood Cancer Survivors

What is this study about?

When a child has had cancer and is now in recovery, it's a huge relief for families. However, many parents find themselves constantly worried that the cancer might come back. This strong, ongoing worry is often called 'fear of cancer recurrence' (FCR), and it can really affect a parent's peace of mind and overall well-being. While we've gotten much better at treating childhood cancers, supporting families through the emotional challenges that come after treatment is still developing.

Currently, there isn't much help specifically for parents of children who have beaten cancer to deal with this fear. This study aims to change that. It's testing a new group therapy programme called 'Parent Fear of Recurrence Therapy' (Parent-FORT). The main goals are to see if this therapy is practical and acceptable for parents, meaning if it's easy to sign up for, attend, and if parents find it helpful. It also wants to get a first idea of whether Parent-FORT can actually reduce parents' fears and improve their quality of life.

If this initial study goes well, it could pave the way for bigger studies and eventually make this kind of support more widely available. It's a really important step towards making sure that parents, who have been through so much, get the help they need to live with less worry after their child's cancer treatment.

Key takeaways

This study supports parents of childhood cancer survivors.
It tests a new online group therapy called Parent-FORT.
The therapy aims to help parents manage fear of cancer returning.
Participation involves weekly online sessions and questionnaires.
It's a pilot study to see if the therapy is workable and helpful.
Only one parent/caregiver per child can join the study.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for parents or main caregivers of children who have survived cancer. Your child needs to be under 18 years old and have finished active cancer treatment at least one month ago. Importantly, their cancer should not have come back. We are looking for parents who score high enough on a special questionnaire, which suggests they are experiencing significant fear that their child's cancer might return.

You would need to have regular access to a computer and an internet connection, as the therapy sessions will be held online. You should also be living in Canada. Please note, if your child is now 18 or older, or if they've had a special type of transplant and are still dealing with certain ongoing health issues, you wouldn't be able to join.

Also, if you're already in another group therapy led by a therapist, or if you have certain mental health conditions that might make group work difficult, this study might not be suitable. To make sure the study results are clear, only one parent or caregiver per child can take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am the parent or main caregiver of a child who has survived cancer.
My child is under 18 years old and finished cancer treatment at least one month ago, and their cancer hasn't returned.
I have regular access to a computer and a reliable internet connection.
I live in Canada.
I am not currently in another therapist-led group therapy.
I am willing to complete questionnaires before, during, and after the therapy.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first contact the study team by phone or email to see if you meet the requirements. If you do, you'll complete some consent forms.

The study will have 36 parents in total. You will be randomly placed into one of two groups: either you'll start the Parent-FORT therapy right away, or you'll be in a group that waits three months before starting (this is called a 'waitlist control group').

The Parent-FORT therapy involves 7 weekly group sessions, each lasting two hours. These sessions will be held online via video call, led by a therapist. You'll also receive a workbook to help you follow along, take notes, and complete exercises at home. Before starting, right after the therapy finishes, and then three months later, you'll be asked to fill out questionnaires. The whole process, including follow-up, will last several months depending on which group you're in.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer you the benefit of learning new ways to manage your fear about your child's cancer returning, and potentially improve your quality of life. However, as with any study, there could be some risks, such as experiencing emotional discomfort when discussing difficult topics or the time commitment required for the sessions and questionnaires. It's important to remember that you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your or your child's medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Ottawa
Verified postcode
Ottawa, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'fear of cancer recurrence' (FCR)?

FCR is a strong and ongoing worry that cancer might come back, even if a child is in recovery. It can be very stressful for parents.

Is this therapy for my child?

No, this specific therapy, Parent-FORT, is designed for the parents or main caregivers of children who have had cancer, not for the children themselves.

How long will the therapy sessions be?

There will be 7 weekly group sessions, and each one will last for two hours.

Do I need to travel for this study?

No, all the therapy sessions will be held online via video calls, so you can join from home if you have an internet connection.

What happens after the 7 therapy sessions?

After the sessions, you'll be asked to complete another set of questionnaires, and then a final set three months later, to see how you're feeling.

How to find out more

Celeste Holy, B.A

choly@uottawa.ca 6135625800 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.