Fear of cancer recurrence and sleep in couples coping with early-stage breast cancer

Date
2019
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University of Delaware
Abstract
Objectives: Sleep disturbance and fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) are common in breast cancer (BC) survivors. Yet, few studies have examined a putative link between these two constructs in BC survivors and none among these have also incorporated assessment of their spouses. Focusing on the period surrounding survivors’ first post-treatment mammogram, higher survivor and spouse FCR was hypothesized to predict reduced sleep quantity and quality and greater sleep disturbances for both partners. Methods: Fifty-seven couples coping with early-stage BC reported sleep duration, quality, and other disturbances each morning for 21 consecutive days spanning survivors’ first mammogram post-treatment. Three validated measures of global FCR formed latent survivor and spouse FCR factors. Average daily sleep and sleep on the eve of the mammogram were regressed on both survivor and spouse FCR. Results: Survivor FCR was associated with reduced average daily sleep duration and quality for themselves and greater sleep disturbances for their spouse. Spouse FCR was associated with reduced average daily sleep duration for themselves. On the eve of the mammogram, survivor FCR was associated with their own reduced sleep duration and quality as well as greater difficulty falling asleep for their spouse. Spouse FCR was associated with their own reduced sleep duration and quality as well as greater sleep disturbances for their partner. Conclusions: Findings supported individual and dyadic associations between FCR and sleep, addressing gaps in knowledge on FCR and health behaviors. FCR interventions may be a strategy for addressing sleep disturbance, and thereby long-term health.
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