Goal disturbance in early-stage breast cancer survivors

Cancer-related goal disturbance can influence long-term outcomes in cancer patients and survivors; however, few studies have examined the factors that contribute to goal disturbance in early survivorship.

The current study examined the relationships between demographic variables, cancer- and treatment-related factors, and behavioral and psychological symptoms (i.e., fatigue, pain, cognitive complaints, depressive symptoms, and anxiety) and goal disturbance in breast cancer survivors 1 year after treatment completion.

Women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer (n = 171) completed assessments following primary treatment (i.e., surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy) and again 6 months and 1 year later. We focused on the 1-year post-treatment assessment when participants were asked if they had experienced a cancer-related goal disturbance.

Approximately, 27% of women reported a cancer-related goal disturbance. Analyses indicated that both receipt of chemotherapy and behavioral and psychological symptoms-analyzed as a composite score and individually-were associated with a higher probability of reporting a goal disturbance.

Chemotherapy and behavioral and psychological symptoms were unique correlates of goal disturbance, suggesting that the impact of chemotherapy extends beyond its influence on persistent symptoms.

Elucidating factors that inhibit the pursuit of meaningful activities in early survivorship is critically important to understanding the long-term psychosocial impacts of cancer diagnosis and treatment.