Latent profile analysis for assessing symptom clusters in women with breast cancer.

[PURPOSE] To identify symptom clusters among breast cancer survivors and investigate differences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and distress based on these discerned symptom clusters using latent profile analysis.

[METHODS] We enrolled 655 adult breast cancer survivors aged 19 years and older, registered with the Cancer Survivor Integrated Supportive Center from May 2020 to July 2022. The study measured five symptoms-pain, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and depression-using a Visual Analogue Scale ranging from 0 to 10 points. Distress was measured using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer, with scores ranging from 0 to 10 points. HRQoL was determined using the EuroQol-5 Dimension questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using the Jamovi and Mplus 8.8 software programs.

[RESULTS] The Cluster with Few Symptoms (46.8%) was the most common, whereas the Psychological Cluster with a very high degree of depression and anxiety accounted for 20.0%, and the Moderate symptom cluster with symptoms of 3 or more points accounted for 14.4%. Distress scores were relatively high in the Psychological Cluster and the Pain-Fatigue-Insomnia Cluster, and were lowest in the Cluster with Few Symptoms (F = 103.92, p < 0.001). HRQoL scores were highest in the Cluster with Few Symptoms and lowest in the Pain-Fatigue-Insomnia Cluster (F = 177.62, p < 0.001).

[CONCLUSIONS] Approximately half of breast cancer survivors who had completed the major treatment experienced persistent high symptoms such as depression and anxiety or pain, fatigue, and insomnia.

[IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS] These findings provide foundational data for developing tailored intervention strategies and programs based on symptom experiences.