Body image, illness uncertainty and symptom clusters in surgically treated breast cancer survivors: An exploratory factor analysis and correlational study

Purpose

To determine the relationship among body image, illness uncertainty, and symptom clusters in surgically treated breast cancer survivors.

Methods

A correlational, descriptive study was conducted in a convenience sample of 60 women surgically treated breast cancer survivors recruited in a private hospital and a survivor center. A questionnaire of sociodemographic characteristics, MUIS-C Scale, and QLQ-C30 and Module BR-23 were used. Variable characteristics and associations were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficient, and exploratory factor analysis using unweighted least squares and Promax rotation was used for symptom clustering.

Results

A three-factor structure was found: an anxiety symptom cluster, a breast symptom cluster, and an arm symptoms, depression, and fatigue symptom cluster, explaining 46,47% of the variance. Significant correlations were found among body image and illness uncertainty (r = −0,390, p < 0,01), body image and the anxiety symptom cluster (r = 0,613, p < 0,01), illness uncertainty and the anxiety symptom cluster (r = −0,421, p < 0,01), the breast symptom cluster (r = −0,425, p < 0,01), and the arm symptoms – depression – fatigue symptom cluster (r = −0,443, p < 0,01).

Conclusion

The relationships among all variables were statistically significant. Nurses providing care to BC survivors need to address the multidimensionality of the symptom experience and its correlates to better assist their patients. Further research is needed to elucidate the biopsychosocial underpinnings of those relationships.