Investigation of Factors Influencing the Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Breast Cancer Patients Using Structural Equation Modeling: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective. This study aimed to investigate the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in breast cancer patients and develop a structural equation model of influencing factors to help formulate clinical intervention strategies. Methods. A convenience sample of 325 patients was surveyed using a general and disease-related data questionnaire, which combined the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form, Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale, and Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire. Results. The total score of FCR in breast cancer patients was 35.06 +/- 10.83, and 53.8% of patients reached the clinical level. The structural equation model demonstrated that illness uncertainty had a direct positive impact on FCR (beta = 0.275, p < 0.05), and it could have an indirect impact through social support and resignation coping methods (beta = 0.254, p < 0.05). Conclusion. The fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer patients needs further understanding. Medical staff can reduce or buffer FCR in breast cancer patients by strengthening positive influences, such as social support, or weakening negative influences, such as illness uncertainty and resignation coping.