Influence and Predictors of Anxiety on Health Status ≥ 5 Years Beyond Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Spain: A Cross-Sectional Study

<b>Purpose:</b> To explore the association between anxiety levels and health outcomes in long-term breast cancer survivors (LTBCSs) and to identify predictors of anxiety in this population. <b>Methods</b>: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted with 80 LTBCSs, cate...

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Main Authors: Francisco Álvarez-Salvago, Clara Pujol-Fuentes, Jose Medina-Luque, Maria Figueroa-Mayordomo, Carmen Boquete-Pumar, Sandra Atienzar-Aroca
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Life
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/6/932
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Summary:<b>Purpose:</b> To explore the association between anxiety levels and health outcomes in long-term breast cancer survivors (LTBCSs) and to identify predictors of anxiety in this population. <b>Methods</b>: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted with 80 LTBCSs, categorized into two groups based on their anxiety levels: low anxiety (≤3.4) and high anxiety (≥3.5). The analysis focused on variables assessed at least five years after diagnosis, including sociodemographic and clinical data, mood, cancer-related fatigue (CRF), pain, self-perceived physical fitness, physical activity (PA), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). ANOVA, Mann–Whitney U, and chi-square tests were conducted, along with correlation and multiple regression analysis. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen’s <i>d</i>. <b>Results</b>: Among the participants, 46.25% exhibited higher anxiety levels. This group showed significantly worse mood, self-perceived physical fitness, and HRQoL and elevated CRF and pain (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Regression analysis identified “total CRF” (<i>β</i> = 0.51; <i>p</i> < 0.01) and “cognitive functioning” (<i>β</i> = −0.24; <i>p</i> = 0.02) as significant predictors of higher levels of anxiety (r<sup>2</sup> adjusted = 0.470). <b>Conclusions</b>: Anxiety significantly impacts multiple dimensions of health in LTBCSs. Total CRF and cognitive functioning are key predictors of anxiety. These findings have direct clinical implications: routine psychological and physical assessments should be integrated into survivorship care to identify individuals at risk and inform targeted interventions to enhance long-term well-being and HRQoL.
ISSN:2075-1729