Cancer Recurrence Fear and Return to Work in Breast Cancer Survivors:The Mediating Effects of Health Literacy.

PURPOSE

This study investigates the relationships between breast cancer survivors' return to work, health literacy, and cancer recurrence fear. By employing structural equation modeling, we examine the mediating effect of health literacy on the interplay between cancer recurrence fear and the ability to return to work.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a survey involving 190 breast cancer survivors, utilizing a general information questionnaire, the Concern About Recurrence Scale, and the Health Literacy Management Scale.

RESULTS

Our findings indicate that only 54.2% of the participants successfully returned to work. Notably, health literacy was positively correlated with return to work (=0.315, <0.001), whereas fear of cancer recurrence was negatively correlated (=-0.268, <0.001). The mediation effect model demonstrated a good fit, confirming that health literacy partially mediates the relationship between cancer recurrence fear and return to work (= -0.024, < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The findings highlight a concerning situation for breast cancer survivors regarding their return to work. Cancer recurrence fear significantly impacts their ability to re-enter the workforce, both directly and indirectly through health literacy. We recommend that healthcare providers focus on alleviating anxiety related to cancer recurrence and enhancing health literacy to support survivors in their reintegration into society.