Enhancing symptom control in postoperative middle-aged breast cancer patients through family support: A cross-sectional study utilizing latent profile analysis and latent interaction models.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to classify symptom types among young and middle-aged breast cancer survivors and compare differences in family resilience, family caring, and family function across these classifications.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 432 young and middle-aged postoperative breast cancer survivors from a hospital in Liaoning Province, China. Symptom, family caring, family functioning, and family resilience scores were collected using convenience sampling. Latent class analysis identified symptom types, and a latent interaction model tested the moderating role of family resilience in the relationship between family functioning, family caring, and symptom control.

RESULTS: A 2-profile model was identified: Profile 1 (low depression/sleep disorder type) represented superior symptom control, while Profile 2 (high fatigue/moderate pain type) indicated poorer symptom control. Patients with superior symptom control exhibited higher family resilience and family caring scores. The interaction between family resilience and family function was significant (β = -0.115, P < 0.05), suggesting that low family resilience reduces the effectiveness of family function in symptom control.

CONCLUSIONS: Tailored family symptom management interventions are urgently needed to address the long-term symptom burden in young and middle-aged breast cancer survivors. Enhancing family resilience and support may improve symptom control and quality of life.