Relationship between cancer stigma, social support, coping strategies and psychosocial adjustment among breast cancer survivors

Aims and objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the magnitude of cancer stigma, social support, coping strategies and psychosocial adjustment among breast cancer survivors and to identify the factors associated with patients’ psychosocial adjustment. Background: Few studies have examined the association between cancer stigma and adaptation outcomes, which are considered interpersonal stressors for breast cancer survivors. Design: A correlational, cross-sectional research design was used. Methods: This study was designed based on the stress-coping theory of Lazarus and Folkman. This descriptive cross-sectional study included 158 breast cancer survivors who visited a Korean tertiary hospital. Data collection was performed using a structured questionnaire and electronic medical records between March–May 2018. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, independent t test, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis test, partial correlation analysis and hierarchical regression analysis and were performed with the SPSS WIN 25.0 program. This study adheres to STROBE guidelines. Results: Cancer stigma had the strongest association with psychosocial adjustment among Korean breast cancer survivors, followed by social support and coping strategies. These variables accounted for approximately 44% of the variance in psychosocial adjustment. Conclusion: Cancer stigma had the strongest association with psychosocial adjustment. Healthcare professionals should assess patients’ cancer stigma to develop patient-tailored stigma management programmes. Relevance to clinical practice: Interventions to alleviate cancer stigma should be developed, and social support and coping strategies for breast cancer survivors should be considered in clinical oncology settings.