Prevalence and Factors Contributing to Fear of Recurrence in Breast Cancer Patients and Their Partners: A Cross-Sectional Study

Ling Tong,1,2,* Yuan Wang,1,2,* Dewu Xu,3 Yibo Wu,1 Ling Chen2 1Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Medicine Education, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Ling Chen, Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214062, People’s Republic of China, Email Rainbow_lyn@163.com Yibo Wu, Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214062, People’s Republic of China, Email moliaty@aliyun.comObjective: The fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a generalized psychological problem among cancer patients and their spouses. The purpose of this study is to investigate the current status of cancer recurrence fear among breast cancer patients and their spouses, as well as its predictive factors.Methods: A total of 155 breast cancer patients and their partners between March 2022 to Feb 2023 were selected from Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University. The survey was investigated by fear of progression questionnaire-short form (FoP‑Q‑SF), fear of progression questionnaire‐short form for partners (FoP‐Q‐SF/P), family resilience questionnaire (FaRE), and health literacy management scale (HeLMS). Predictors were assessed using univariate and multivariable regression analyses.Results: 52.9% (n=82) of breast cancer patients and 51.6% (n=80) of their spouses experienced high levels of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). There was a positive correlation between the FCR of the patients and their spouses, while family resilience and health literacy were statistically significant negative predictive factors for breast cancer patients’ fear of cancer recurrence.Conclusion: In summary, the study found that the partner’s FCR, health literacy and family resilience were closely related to the FCR in breast cancer patients. Therefore, healthcare workers can reduce the patient’s FCR by reducing the FCR in spouses, improving patients’ health literacy and family resilience in the future. In practical application, these findings hold significant implications for developing comprehensive care plans and interventions targeting FCR in breast cancer patients. By focusing on patients’ partners and providing appropriate support and resources, healthcare professionals can promote patients’ psychological well-being and overall health, leading to improved quality of life.Keywords: breast cancer, family factors, fear recurrence, health literacy