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Breast cancer

Patterns and Predictors of Post-Traumatic Growth and Fear of Disease Progression in Breast Cancer Patients

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from Bengbu Medical University conducted a study to explore distinct patterns of post-traumatic growth (PTG) and fear of cancer progression (FOP) among breast cancer patients. Through latent profile analysis, they identified three distinct patterns: the Resisting group, the Struggling group, and the Growth group. The study also found that marital status, place of residence, education level, disease stage, social support, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) levels were significant factors influencing these patterns. The findings suggest that there is heterogeneity in the PTG and FOP patterns in breast cancer patients and highlight the importance of focusing on the positive effects of PTG while mitigating the negative impact of FOP.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aimed to explore distinct patterns of post-traumatic growth (PTG) and fear of cancer progression (FOP) among breast cancer patients.
  • Latent profile analysis identified three distinct patterns: the Resisting group (24.33%), the Struggling group (46.14%), and the Growth group (29.52%).
  • Marital status, place of residence, education level, disease stage, social support, anxiety, and PTSD levels were significant factors influencing the distinct patterns of PTG and FOP.
  • The study suggests that healthcare providers can implement targeted nursing interventions based on the different patterns observed in breast cancer patients.
  • The research provides a basis for promoting the psychological recovery of breast cancer patients and highlights the importance of focusing on the positive effects of PTG while mitigating the negative impact of FOP.
  • Authors of the study include Haipeng Li, Keying Guo, Weina Du, Ling Cheng, Wei Wang, Zhongtao Zhou, and Jing Zhang.

Statistics:

  • 752 breast cancer patients participated in the research.
  • 24.33% of patients fell into the Resisting group, 46.14% into the Struggling group, and 29.52% into the Growth group.
  • Marital status, place of residence, education level, disease stage, social support, anxiety, and PTSD levels were significant predictors of PTG and FOP patterns.

Sources:

  • Li, H., et al. (2025). Patterns and predictors of post-traumatic growth and fear of disease progression in breast cancer patients: a latent profile analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 16, 1604787.
  • NewsRx. Findings from Bengbu Medical University Provide New Insights into Disease Progression (Patterns and predictors of post-traumatic growth and fear of disease progression in breast cancer patients: a latent profile analysis). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025; p 247.

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