The mediating effect of intrusive rumination on the relationship between illness uncertainty and fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer survivors

Turkel A., Turkel N. N., Kadioglu A., Dogan M., EKMEKCİ ERTEK İ.

BMC WOMENS HEALTH, vol.25, no.1, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 25 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1186/s12905-025-03580-y
  • Journal Name: BMC WOMENS HEALTH
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

BackgroundRecently, increased awareness of early diagnosis and treatment options has led to an increase in the number of breast cancer survivors. Psychosocial interventions to increase the quality of life in this group are gaining importance. One of the most common psychological problems in breast cancer survivors is fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). It is essential to elucidate the mechanisms of FCR. Aims: This study aimed to examine the mediating effect of intrusive rumination on the relationship between illness uncertainty and FCR in breast cancer survivors.MethodsThe study was designed to be cross-sectional, and 204 breast cancer survivors were included. Participants were given the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale-Community form (MUIS-C), the severity subscale of the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory, and the Event-Related Rumination Inventory-intrusive rumination subscale. Correlation analyses were conducted, and the structural equation method evaluated the mediation effect.ResultsMost participants (74%) reported some degree of FCR. A significant positive relationship was found between illness uncertainty and FCR (r = 0.325; p <= 0.001). The path analysis showed that intrusive rumination partially mediates this relationship.ConclusionsThis study's results shed light on the relationship between illness uncertainty, rumination, and FCR. Planning psychoeducation programs during follow-up to reduce illness uncertainty may positively affect FCR. In addition, metacognitive therapies that can functionalize the ruminative thinking style can also effectively intervene in FCR.