The relationship between uncertainty and fear of disease progression among newly diagnosed cancer patients: the mediating role of intolerance of uncertainty

Background One of the most prevalent unmet needs among cancer patients is the fear of disease progression (FoP). This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the relationships among uncertainty in illness (UI), intolerance of uncertainty (IU), and FoP among newly diagnosed cancer patients and to verify the mediating role of IU in the relationship between UI and FoP. Methods A total of 202 newly diagnosed cancer patients (male: 105, 51.98%; mean age: 47.45 +/- 14.8 years; lung cancer: 49, 24.26%) were recruited by convenience sampling. The patients completed a homemade questionnaire that assessed demographic characteristics, the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form, the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale, and the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale. Results The prevalence of FoP among newly diagnosed cancer patients was 87.62%, and the prevalences of high, medium, and low levels of UI were 15.84%, 73.27%, and 10.89%, respectively. The mean score on the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale was 41.19 +/- 10.11. FoP among newly diagnosed cancer patients was positively correlated with UI (r = 0.656, P < 0.001) and IU (r = 0.711, P < 0.001). Moreover, IU was positively correlated with UI (r = 0.634, P < 0.001). IU partially mediated the effect of UI on FoP, accounting for 47.60% of the total effect. Conclusions Newly diagnosed cancer patients have a high prevalence of FoP. UI can directly or indirectly affect FoP through the mediating role of IU. Healthcare professionals can help newly diagnosed cancer patients mitigate their FoP by reducing IU in light of UI.