Table 1 Detailed content for the conquer fear intervention

• FCR-specific assessment;

• Examine values identified in session and devise relevant goals (e.g. if identified value is “being physically fit” devise realistic ways to achieve this and identify barriers to achieving goal);

• Model on which treatment is based is explained;

• Discussion of existential changes brought about by cancer;

• Values clarification exercise

• Reflect on past experiences and how these have shaped response to cancer.

• Discuss impact of potential vulnerability factors (e.g., past traumatic events) on FCR;

• Practice ATT on a daily basis throughout the remainder of the intervention and document in diary.

• Discuss rationale and practice of the Attention Training Technique (ATT), a technique designed to help patients reduce their tendency to ruminate and shift their attention more flexibly when thoughts about recurrence occur.

• Introduce the practice of Detached Mindfulness, designed to enhance meta-awareness of cognition and the ability to become an objective observer of the content of thoughts without the need for evaluation or reaction.

• Continue daily practice of ATT;

• Practice application of detached mindfulness on response to thoughts which trigger FCR.

• Provide information about possible symptoms of recurrence of breast or colorectal cancer;

• Continue daily practice of ATT;

• Provide guidelines to help clients distinguish those from benign physical complaints;

• Practice detached mindfulness in response to emerging thoughts about FC;

• Reassess self-examination practices and medical surveillance;

• Identify avoidant or excessive behaviours;

• Devise an appropriate plan based on best available evidence about how to respond to new symptoms;

• Develop a behavioural contract to help clients to engage in recommended levels of self-examination and follow-up tests (if needed);

• Discuss beliefs that underpin FCR (eg. beliefs about the benefits of FCR, or beliefs about physical harm caused by FCR);

• Practice worry postponement.

• Test the validity of these beliefs through Socratic dialogue.

• Introduce worry postponement as a technique for responding to residual worries

• Review goal setting task;

• Consolidate skills learned throughout the program;

• Develop relapse prevention plan.