Factors influencing fear of cancer recurrence in patients with breast cancer: Evidence from a survey in Yancheng, China.

Aim: To identify the characteristics of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in breast cancer patients after surgery and investigate the relationship of FCR with demographic and medical characteristics, quality of life (QOL) and social support.

Methods: The short version of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire (FoP-Q-SF), the functional assessment of cancer therapy for breast cancer (FACT-B) and the Social Support Rating Scale were administered to the 342 breast cancer patients who had undergone surgical treatment. The analysis was performed to determine potential predictors associated with FCR.

Results: Of the 465 patients, 342 (73.5%) agreed to take part in the study. The mean age of participants was 51.46 ± 10.50 years (range, 30-81). Of the 342 participants, 92 (26.9%) cases were at Stage I, 131 (38.3%) cases at Stage II, 34 (9.9%) patients at Stage III and 85 (24.9%) patients at Stage IV. Among the 12 items of the FoP-Q-SF, the three greatest fears were: Item 10 'Worrying that medications could damage the body', Item 1 'Being afraid of disease progression' and Item 2 'Being nervous prior to doctors' appointments or periodic examinations'. About 68.4% of patients reported the dysfunctional level of fear of progression. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that religious belief, family income, disease stages, social support, QOL were identified as independent predictors for FCR.

Conclusion: We found that FCR is prevalent in postoperative breast cancer patients, and is influenced by many factors. It is necessary to implement positive intervention measures to alleviate the FCR and improve the QOL of patients.