Latent Profiles of Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Breast Cancer Patients of Reproductive Age and Associations With Reproductive Concerns

Aim: To identify distinct profiles of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) among breast cancer patients of reproductive age, investigate the relationship between these profiles and reproductive concerns and explore potential risk factors encompassing sociodemographic, clinical and reproductive characteristics. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2022 to September 2022. Methods: A convenience sample of 210 reproductive-aged breast cancer patients completed a questionnaire that included a general information section, the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF) and the Reproductive Concerns After Cancer Scale (RCAC). Latent profile analysis was conducted using the scores of the 12 items from the FoP-Q-SF as explicit variables, while univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were employed for statistical analysis. Results: Three latent variables were identified: low FCR-stable group (27.6%), moderate FCR-uneasy group (17.2%) and high FCR-intense group (55.2%). This study found that FCR was predicted by age, education level, cancer stage, chemotherapy and fertility intention. Furthermore, patients with heightened reproductive concerns exhibited a higher likelihood of belonging to the high FCR-intense group. Conclusion: These findings indicate that FCR varies among breast cancer patients of reproductive age and demonstrates individual differences.