114 A new study has found that Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy may offer significant relief to cancer survivors struggling with fear of recurrence, marking a promising development in psycho-oncological care. The findings were published in the Journal of Person-Oriented Research. The research, led by Pascalle van der Wolf, Melanie Schellekens and Marije van der Lee at the Helen Dowling Institute and Tilburg University, examined the impact of EMDR on six cancer survivors suffering from clinical fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). FCR affects around 20% of cancer survivors and is often characterised by intrusive thoughts, persistent worry and a heightened sensitivity to bodily symptoms. Despite its prevalence, existing treatments have not specifically targeted the intrusive catastrophic scenarios that underpin many patients’ fears. Using a sequentially replicated, randomised single-case experimental design over an 84-day period, the study tracked participants’ fear levels daily and administered psychological assessments at key stages. EMDR sessions incorporated a focus on “flash forward” images, which involve confronting imagined future catastrophes, alongside reprocessing distressing memories from the past. This dual approach aimed to desensitise the emotional impact of both past traumas and future anxieties. Participants underwent weekly 90-minute EMDR sessions, during which they concentrated on distressing memories while following external stimuli such as moving visual cues or alternating tactile signals. The study found that all participants reported positive changes following therapy, describing their fears as less overwhelming and intrusive. They noted an increased sense of peace and control over their emotions, which allowed them to re-engage more fully with their personal and professional lives. Quantitative findings were mixed. Regression analysis showed a significant decrease in daily fear levels for two participants, although group-level analysis did not reach statistical significance. Reliable change measures suggested that four out of six participants experienced clinically meaningful reductions in fear severity. Importantly, there were no reports of negative side effects, and all participants completed the treatment. Interviews with participants revealed that the EMDR sessions helped them face death anxiety more directly, a crucial factor in the maintenance of clinical FCR. By processing these fears, individuals described a shift from avoidance and suppression towards a more reflective and empowered way of living. Therapists involved in the study also observed that participants became more adept at coping with fear and distress by the end of the treatment. While the small sample size and variability in participants’ experiences call for caution, the authors argue that EMDR shows considerable promise as a treatment for FCR. They emphasised the need for larger randomised controlled trials to establish its effectiveness fully and to explore its mechanisms, particularly the role of reducing intrusive images and death anxiety. The findings offer hope for a more targeted and personalised approach to supporting cancer survivors who continue to live with the psychological burden of recurrence fears long after their initial treatment has ended.