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Journal of Cancer Survivorship
Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship 5/2016

01-10-2016

Fear of cancer recurrence in survivor and caregiver dyads: differences by sexual orientation and how dyad members influence each other

Authors: Ulrike Boehmer, Yorghos Tripodis, Angela R. Bazzi, Michael Winter, Melissa A. Clark

Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship | Issue 5/2016

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify explanatory factors of fear of recurrence (FOR) in breast cancer survivors of different sexual orientations and their caregivers and to assess the directionality in the survivor and caregiver dyads’ FOR.

Methods

We recruited survivors of non-metastatic breast cancer of different sexual orientations and invited their caregivers into this study. Using a telephone survey, we collected data from 167 survivor and caregiver dyads. Using simultaneous equation models and a stepwise selection process, we identified the significant determinants of survivors’ and caregivers’ FOR and determined the directionality of survivors’ and caregivers’ FOR. Weighting the model by the inverse propensity score ensured that differences by sexual orientation in age and proportion of life in the caregiver-survivor relationship were accounted for.

Results

Caregivers’ FOR predicted survivors’ FOR, and sexual orientation had a significant effect on survivors’ FOR, in that sexual minority women reported less FOR than heterosexual women. Other determinants of survivors’ FOR included their medical characteristics, coresidence with caregivers, and caregivers’ social support and use of counseling. Caregivers’ FOR was related to their social support and survivors’ medical characteristics.

Conclusions

This study suggests a need for caregiver interventions. Because survivors’ FOR is affected by caregivers’ FOR, caregiver interventions will likely benefit survivors’ FOR.

Implications for cancer survivors

Both sexual minority and heterosexual breast cancer survivors’ FOR are affected by their caregivers’ FOR, which suggests that the caregivers of breast cancer survivors are central for the survivors’ well-being and shall therefore be integrated into the care process.
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Metadata
Title
Fear of cancer recurrence in survivor and caregiver dyads: differences by sexual orientation and how dyad members influence each other
Authors
Ulrike Boehmer
Yorghos Tripodis
Angela R. Bazzi
Michael Winter
Melissa A. Clark
Publication date
01-10-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Cancer Survivorship / Issue 5/2016
Print ISSN: 1932-2259
Electronic ISSN: 1932-2267
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-016-0526-7

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