Development and reliability and validity test of the Fear of Cancer Scale (FOCS)

OBJECTIVE: To develop a Fear of Cancer Scale (FOCS) for non-cancer populations. METHODS: FOCS was developed by classical measurement theory. A total of 15 college students were invited to conduct semi-structured interviews. Seven experts were invited for expert consultation. A total of 2012 Chinese college students who had completed the electronic questionnaire on WJX.cn platform was included. The reliability and validity of FOCS were verified. Multiple linear regression analysis was adopted to explore the influencing factors of cancer fear among college students and further verify the validity of FOCS. RESULTS: There were 17 items in the FOCS, including two subscales – direct fear (8 items), and indirect fear (9 items). FOCS had good validity and reliability. Multiple linear regression showed that GAD-7 score, CSDS score, negative coping score, positive coping score, guardian’s highest education, gender, life satisfaction, nationality and major were the influencing factors of cancer fear (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The 17-item FOCS was a reliable and valid measure to examine the level of cancer fear in non-cancer populations.