Latent profile analysis of fear of cancer recurrence in patients with prostate cancer: Insights into risk factors and psychological interventions

Objective: To explore fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) profiles in prostate cancer survivors, identify heterogeneous subgroups, and examine influencing factors to provide a reference for improving mental well-being and overall quality of life. Methods: A convenience sample of 389 patients completed a questionnaire that assessed general and disease-related data, including the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form, Perceived Social Support Scale, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30. Statistical analysis involved latent profile analysis (LPA), Bolck-Croon-Hagenaars methods and multinomial logistic regression. Results: Three FCR profiles were identified: "Adapted" (25.7%), "Struggling" (42.2%), and "Dysregulated" (32.1%). Compared to the Adapted group, factors associated with the Struggling group included age, social support, and employment status, while factors associated with the Dysregulated group included age, social support, and time since diagnosis. From Adapted to Dysregulated, physical, cognitive, emotional, and social function declined, while dyspnea, insomnia, and financial difficulties increased. Conclusions: The psychological problems caused by the FCR in patients with prostate cancer seriously affect their physical, emotional, cognitive and social functions. Targeted intervention strategies should be developed for different categories of patients with prostate cancer to improve the FCR and promote the health-related quality of life.