Eye Movement Therapy for Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Familial Melanoma

This trial is testing a therapy called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help people with familial melanoma who struggle with intense fear that their cancer will return. EMDR is an established treatment for trauma and anxiety that works by helping your brain process distressing memories and worries. Researchers want to see if this therapy can reduce fear of recurrence and improve quality of life for people carrying a familial melanoma diagnosis.

Many people with familial melanoma experience high levels of fear about developing new melanomas, which affects their daily life and emotional wellbeing. While some worry is normal and helpful, this study exists because current treatments don't adequately address the deep-seated fear and anxiety that about one-third of patients struggle with, and this therapy has shown promise in other anxiety conditions.