Purpose: This study aimed to chart patterns of simultaneous trajectories over 8 months in breast cancer survivors' (BCS) supportive care needs, psychological distress, social support, and posttraumatic growth. Clusters of BCS among these trajectories were identified and characterized.
Methods: Of 426 BCS study participants, 277 (65%) provided full assessments in the last week of primary cancer treatment and 4 and 8 months later. Latent trajectories were obtained using growth mixture modeling for patients who responded to all scores for at least one time point (n = 348). Then, classification of BCS was performed by hierarchical agglomerative clustering on axes derived from a multiple factor analysis of trajectory assignments. Self-esteem, attachment security, and satisfaction with care were assessed at baseline.
Results: Four trajectory clusters were identified, including two BCS subgroups (63%) with low needs and low psychological distress. Two others (37%) exhibited high or increasing needs and concerning levels of psychological distress. These latter clusters were characterized by higher insecure attachment, lower satisfaction with care, and either lower education or younger age, and having undergone chemotherapy.
Conclusion: More than a third of BCS present unfavorable patterns in supportive care needs over 8 months after primary cancer treatment. Identified psychosocial and cancer care characteristics point to targets for enhanced BCS supportive care.
Keywords: Breast neoplasms; Cluster analysis; Longitudinal studies; Patient care management; Supportive care needs; Trajectory.