The impact of cognitive and existential factors on pain experience and how pain relates to cancer survivors’ fear of recurrence: A systematic review

Two of the most common problems that cancer survivors may face are persistent cancer pain and fear of recurrence. We conducted a systematic review of quantitative studies that examined the association between cognitive factors, existential factors, and fear of recurrence with persistent cancer pain in cancer survivors. Our research question was formulated based on the PICO system. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Nineteen papers were included in the review, and the vast majority examined the association between cognitive characteristics and persistent cancer pain. The results emphasized the importance of cognitive factors as potential targets for psychological interventions. The association between pain and fear of recurrence was confirmed, and we gained a deeper understanding of the psychological processes involved in the relationship between cancer pain and fear of recurrence.