Time-specific exploration of core symptoms in breast cancer: A cross-lagged panel network analysis

To construct symptom networks at five time points within six months post-surgery, thereby monitoring dynamic trends of core symptoms in breast cancer patients.

The current study evaluated the prevalence and severity of symptoms during 6 months post-surgery period, using the Anderson Symptom Assessment Scale. The Cross-lagged panel network (CLPN) model was employed to identify core symptoms at each stage and to examine the dynamic trend of core symptoms in breast cancer patients. The study was reported following the STROBE checklist.

Totally, 225 participants were included. During T1→T2, sadness presented the highest out-EI. During T2→T3, distress had the largest value of out-EI. During T3→T4 and T4→T5, shortness of breath and drowsiness were both reported with the largest out-EI.

The core symptoms of breast cancer patients exhibited a dynamic trend, shifting from emotional symptoms in the T1-T3 stage to physical symptoms, such as shortness of breath and drowsiness in the T3-T5 stage. Attention should be paid to developing targeted intervention programs for these core symptoms, with the goal of advancing precision symptom management and enhancing patient health outcomes across the entire course of treatment.