Associations between fear of cancer recurrence and post-traumatic growth in patients with primary liver cancer: a latent profile analysis and mediation analysis - Report - MDSpire

Associations between fear of cancer recurrence and post-traumatic growth in patients with primary liver cancer: a latent profile analysis and mediation analysis

  • By

  • Qunfeng Zou

  • Chengfeng Xu

  • Yuan Liao

  • Yuqing Sun

  • Dingrong Qiu

  • Lijun Lin

  • June 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Fear of Cancer Recurrence and Post-Traumatic Growth in Liver Cancer

Overview

This study identifies three latent profiles of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in patients with primary liver cancer and examines the mediating roles of perceived social support and self-efficacy on post-traumatic growth (PTG). The findings highlight the need for tailored interventions based on FCR profiles to enhance psychological well-being.

Background

Primary liver cancer poses significant challenges due to its high recurrence rates and associated psychological distress, particularly fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). Approximately 60% of liver cancer patients experience clinically significant FCR, which can impede their ability to achieve post-traumatic growth (PTG). Understanding the heterogeneity of FCR is crucial for developing effective psychosocial interventions.

Data Highlights

FCR ProfilePercentage
Low fear–psychologically well-adapted29.32%
High fear–social functioning concerns35.50%
Moderate-to-high fear–treatment concerns35.18%

Key Findings

  • Three latent profiles of FCR were identified among liver cancer patients.
  • Type of medical insurance, comorbidities, and occupational status predicted different FCR profiles.
  • Significant differences in perceived social support, self-efficacy, and PTG were observed across FCR profiles.
  • Mediation analysis indicated that perceived social support and self-efficacy play critical roles in the relationship between FCR and PTG.
  • High levels of FCR are associated with lower levels of PTG, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should recognize the diverse profiles of fear of cancer recurrence in liver cancer patients and implement tailored interventions to address these differences. Enhancing social support and self-efficacy may promote post-traumatic growth and improve overall quality of life.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of understanding fear of cancer recurrence's heterogeneity in primary liver cancer patients. Targeted psychosocial interventions can mitigate the negative impacts of FCR and foster psychological growth.

Related Resources & Content

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  3. BMC Psychiatry (Springer), 2025 -- The Role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation and Social Isolation in Postoperative Recurrence Anxiety Among Breast Cancer Patients Facing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  4. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Role of psychological resilience and psychological distress in linking fear of disease progression to quality of life in chronic heart failure: a cross-sectional serial mediation analysis
  5. Hepatocellular carcinoma: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up - PubMed
  6. NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Distress Management, Version 1.2026 - PubMed
  7. Non-pharmacologic interventions for treating fear of cancer recurrence in patients with cancer: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - PubMed
  8. Hepatocellular carcinoma: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up - PubMed
  9. NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Distress Management, Version 1.2026 - PubMed
  10. Non-pharmacologic interventions for treating fear of cancer recurrence in patients with cancer: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - PubMed

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