Understand your Fear of Cancer Recurrence and what to do about it
A free, evidence-based app with a validated self-assessment and practical tools grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Developed by a clinical psychologist who specialises in fear of cancer recurrence.
The experience of fear of cancer recurrence
If you’ve finished cancer treatment but the fear hasn’t finished with you — if you find yourself scanning your body for signs, dreading follow-up appointments, or lying awake wondering “what if it comes back” — you are not alone.
Research shows that approximately 45% of cancer survivors experience clinical levels of fear of cancer recurrence. It is one of the most common unmet needs after treatment — and one of the least talked about.
What the app offers
Fear After Cancer is a free app that helps you understand and work with your fear of cancer recurrence. It includes:
A validated self-assessment Based on the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI), a screening tool used in clinical research worldwide. Twelve questions. About 3 minutes. You receive personalised results with an explanation of what your score means — not just a number, but context written by a psychologist who understands this experience.
Practical exercises Two interactive exercises grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy — Thought Observation and Values Clarification — designed to help you make room for fear without it taking over. Each takes 5–10 minutes and can be used whenever you need them.
Tracking over time Save your results and see how things change. Fear of recurrence isn’t static — it shifts with life events, scan appointments, and time. The app helps you notice those shifts.
It takes about 3 minutes. No account required. Your responses are not stored unless you choose to save them.
Who made the app?
Fear After Cancer was created by Nina Tauber, clinical psychologist & PhD in psycho-oncology. Her research and clinical work has focused specifically on fear of cancer recurrence. She has developed manual-based FCR treatments at Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, in collaboration with international partners. She works with cancer survivors and their loved ones, online, from wherever they are in the world.
Want to go deeper?
The Fear After Cancer app is the starting point. For those who want more structured support:
The Fear That Stays Toolkit — An evidence-based eBook with three guided audio exercises, exploring how fear of cancer recurrence works, why it persists, and how to work with it. €27.
Frequently asked questions
What is fear of cancer recurrence?
Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is the fear, worry, or concern that cancer may return or progress. It is a normal response to the experience of cancer, but for many survivors it persists at levels that significantly affect daily life and wellbeing.
How common is fear of cancer recurrence?
Very common. A large international study of over 9,000 cancer survivors found that approximately 45% scored at clinical levels of FCR, and nearly 1 in 5 scored at levels indicating a need for specialised support (Luigjes-Huizer, Tauber, et al., 2022).
What does the self-assessment measure?
The self-assessment is based on the FCRI Severity Subscale, a validated 9-item screening tool developed by Simard & Savard. It measures the frequency, intensity, and impact of fear of cancer recurrence. Three additional questions personalise your results further.
Is this a diagnostic tool?
No. It is a screening tool that helps you understand your experience. It does not replace a clinical assessment by a qualified professional.
Is my data private?
Yes. If you use the app without creating an account, no data is stored anywhere — everything is processed on your device. If you create an account, your data is stored on your device and is never shared. See the full privacy policy for details.
Who is this for?
Anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer and experiences fear or worry about it returning. It is also relevant for people close to someone with cancer who are experiencing their own fear about recurrence.
Does it cost anything?
The self-assessment and exercises are completely free. The Fear That Stays Toolkit (eBook with guided audio exercises) is available for €27.