Relationship between cancer stigma, social support, coping strategies and psychosocial adjustment among breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Aims and objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the magnitude of cancer stigma, social support, coping strategies and psychosocial adjustment among breast cancer survivors and to identify the factors associated with patients' psychosocial adjustment. Background: Few studies have examined the association between cancer stigma and adaptation outcomes, which are considered interpersonal stressors for breast cancer survivors. Design: A correlational, cross-sectional research design was used. Methods: This study was designed based on the stress-coping theory of Lazarus and Folkman. This descriptive cross-sectional study included 158 breast cancer survivors who visited a Korean tertiary hospital. Data collection was performed using a structured questionnaire and electronic medical records between March-May 2018. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, independent t test, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, partial correlation analysis and hierarchical regression analysis and were performed with the SPSS WIN 25.0 program. This study adheres to STROBE guidelines. Results: Cancer stigma had the strongest association with psychosocial adjustment among Korean breast cancer survivors, followed by social support and coping strategies. These variables accounted for approximately 44% of the variance in psychosocial adjustment. Conclusion: Cancer stigma had the strongest association with psychosocial adjustment. Healthcare professionals should assess patients' cancer stigma to develop patient-tailored stigma management programmes. Relevance to clinical practice: Interventions to alleviate cancer stigma should be developed, and social support and coping strategies for breast cancer survivors should be considered in clinical oncology settings.

Stigma and Quality of Life in Women With Breast Cancer: Mediation and Moderation Model of Social Support, Sense of Coherence, and Coping Strategies

“…Whereas one may find various reports on the role of coping strategies in tackling stigma in people with mental health issues, few studies have addressed this pivotal GRR in cancer populations; for example, self-efficacy for coping was shown effective in preserving HRQoL from self-stigma in patients with breast cancer ( Chu et al, 2021 ). Although some empirical studies have provided preliminary evidence for the role of coping strategies and social support in psychological outcomes among patients with breast cancer ( Kang et al, 2020 ), their contribution to specific domains of HRQoL, especially in Iranian patients, needs further investigation. In fact, the use of a multidimensional approach involving societal knowledge promotion initiatives and the establishment of support centers has been suggested to improve the currently moderate level of the HRQoL in Iranian patients (S. Bouya et al, 2018 ), implying that the efforts should be implemented in both individual and social levels.…”

Health-related quality of life and social constraints among Chinese breast cancer patients: a cross-sectional study

“…Indeed, previous studies have found that people with stigma have worse health outcomes than their non-stigmatized counterparts [ 19 , 20 ]. A growing number of studies have examined stigma associated with cancer as cancer is perceived more negatively in society than some other diseases [ 21 ]. Cancer treatment leaves psychological and physical scars, such as stigma, surgical scars and hair loss [ 22 ].…”

The effect of remote peer support on stigma in patients after breast cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…[ 6 ] However, breast excision or scar formation caused by surgery will damage the integrity and functionality of the body, loss of self-image and sexual dysfunction of the patients, and then produce a high sense of stigma. [ 7 – 9 ]…”