A program developed by a McGill researcher to help cancer survivors cope with the fear their cancer will return is expanding across Canada.
The Fear of Recurrence Therapy (FORT) program offers evidence-based support to address what co-founder Christine Maheu calls one of the most overlooked aspects of recovery.
"When treatment ends, many describe feeling like they've lost their safety net," said Maheu, Associate Professor at McGill's Ingram School of Nursing and researcher at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC). "While medical treatment focuses on survival, FORT helps patients regain a sense of control and live more fully."
The six-week group program, co-developed by Maheu and Sophie Lebel at the University of Ottawa, combines cognitive-behavioural techniques, relaxation strategies and structured group support.
Through a new partnership with Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation, the therapy is now being offered virtually nationwide, with in-person sessions to follow.
Christine Maheu, Associate Professor at McGill's Ingram School of Nursing and researcher at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC).
Finding community after cancer
For breast-cancer survivor Elise Joubert, taking part in the FORT program during an implementation trial phase at the MUHC was a turning point. Months of treatment and complex surgeries had left the Montrealer and mother of three incapacitated for several months and struggling with isolation.
"First and foremost, sitting in a room with eight other women who get it was such a relief," she said. Through discussions and exercises guided by healthcare professionals, Joubert said she began to understand the impact of fear on her life.
"I realized I had lost the ability to think about the future. I couldn't plan anything - not even a weekend away - because I kept expecting bad news from a test or scan. That realization was a breakthrough," she said.
Mind-body care remains 'blind spot' in recovery
Worrying that cancer might return is common, but for about half of survivors, the fear becomes a chronic fear and worry that overshadows everyday life, according to Maheu's past research.
"Emotional recovery remains a blind spot in cancer care," said Maheu. "It needs to be treated as an essential part of every patient's recovery plan."
The rollout marks a milestone for a program developed through more than a decade of research (Maheu et al., 2023), including clinical trials and successful delivery in cancer centres in Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia.
