The study investigated the psychological experience of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in 20 Chinese gastric cancer survivors undergoing chemotherapy. Data collection took place from November 2023 to January 2025 at Jingjiang Tertiary Hospital. The psychological experience of FCR was divided into three main themes: different manifestations of fear, factors that trigger it, and coping strategies. Manifestations of FCR included self-perception, impact on family and neighborhood. Triggers were symptoms, treatment, environment and future plans. Patients used various coping mechanisms, including positive and negative ones. The study recommends comprehensive interventions involving personal, family and societal dimensions to alleviate the uncertainty associated with the disease.