Predictors and interdependence of family support in a random sample of long-term young breast cancer survivors and their biological relatives.

Christos Nikolaidis,Katrina R Ellis,Laurel L Northouse,Maria C Katapodi,Franziska Schmidt

doi:10.1002/cam4.1766

Christos Nikolaidis, Katrina R Ellis + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.1766

Copy DOI

Abstract

ObjectiveWomen diagnosed with breast cancer younger than 45 years (young breast cancer survivors—YBCS) and their biological relatives face significant stressors. Although family support is an important coping resource, little is known about YBCS’ and relatives’ support and whether it is interdependent. The study described family support in YBCS and their biological relatives; identified demographic, clinical, and psychosocial predictors of support; and determined the interdependence of support in YBCS‐relatives family units.MethodsData were collected from a random sample of YBCS and their first‐ or second‐degree female relatives. Actor‐partner interdependence models (APIM) explored predictors and interdependence of YBCS’ and relatives’ family support in dyads (YBCS and relative) and triads (YBCS and two relatives).ResultsAmong n = 310 YBCS and n = 431 first‐ or second‐degree relatives, family support was higher in triads compared to dyads. APIMs identified actor effects in dyads, and actor and partner effects in triads. Across all family units, YBCS’ higher self‐efficacy was associated with higher YBCS support (actor effect) and relative support (partner effect); YBCS’ prior diagnosis of depression was associated with lower YBCS and relative support (actor and partner effect); cost‐related lack of access to care was associated with lower support among YBCS (actor effect) and relatives (actor and partner effect).ConclusionsFamily support was interdependent and was affected by self‐efficacy, depression, and access to care. Interventions should include YBCS and relatives, enhance self‐efficacy and access to care.

Highlights

Breast cancer is the most prevalent female cancer worldwide, with 1.38 million new cases annually.[1]
We identified three types of family units for this study: dyads consisting of one young breast cancer survivors (YBCS) and one relative; triads consisting of one YBCS and two relatives; and YBCS with no eligible relatives or whose relatives did not accept participation
Relatives reported higher family communication compared to YBCS, possibly due to YBCS’ unmet communication needs, especially for illness-related issues.[50,51]

Summary

| BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most prevalent female cancer worldwide, with 1.38 million new cases annually.[1]. There is a need to promote long-term coping in YBCS and relatives and to mitigate the burden of early onset breast cancer.[4,5] Family support is essential to successful coping of breast cancer patients[16] and can decrease cancer-related distress.[17] Individuals involved in reciprocal relationships usually influence each other’s thoughts, emotions, and coping behaviors.[18] Yet, little is known about a possible interdependence of family support in YBCS and biological relatives, who face an increased breast cancer risk due to heredity The study addressed this gap in the literature. Stressors Cost-related lack of access to care Fear of cancer recurrence* Perceived breast cancer risk

| METHODS

| RESULTS

| DISCUSSION

Findings

| Strengths and limitations