Planned motherhood distress in women of reproductive age with breast cancer–impacts of partner relationship, fear of cancer recurrence, decision conflict, and fertility concerns

Abstract

Purpose

This study examined the effects of partner relationships, fear of breast cancer recurrence (FBCR), decision conflict (DC), and fertility concerns (FC) on distress in planned motherhood (DPM) among women of reproductive age with breast cancer (WRABC).

Methods

A cross-sectional design was employed to recruit 100 WRABC aged 20–49 years, menstruating, newly diagnosed, and undergoing gonadotoxic therapies, from a medical center in southern Taiwan. Participants with multiple malignancies, chronic diseases, mental disorders, or infertility were excluded. All participants completed six questionnaires assessing demographics, personality, FBCR, DC, FC, and DPM. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted.

Results

The SEM showed an acceptable fit (root mean square error of approximation = 0.07, comparative fit index = 0.99) with the following significant associations: Neuroticism with FBCR (β = 0.41, P < 0.01); partner relationship with FBCR (β = −0.20, P < 0.05); FBCR with DC (β = 0.29, P < 0.05), which in turn was significantly associated with fertility concerns (β = 0.22, P < 0.05); FC with DPM (β = 0.71, P < 0.01). Moreover, FBCR, DC, and FC significantly mediated the relationship between partner relationship (coefficient = −0.003, 95% CI = −0.015, −0.0004) and personality (coefficient = 0.009, 95% CI = 0.002, 0.031) on DPM. Despite both partner relationship and personality influencing DPM through these mediators, partner relationship had a negative correlation with FBCR.

Conclusions

Planned motherhood distress in WRABC is driven by FBCR, DC, and FC, with personality and partner relationships influencing the process. Individualized care strategies addressing these factors are essential for supporting decision-making and improving quality of life.