Type C Behavior and Associated Factors in Patients with Breast Cancer During Postoperative Chemotherapy: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Type C behavior is a cancer-prone behavior that can affect the occurrence and development of cancer. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of type C behavior in patients with breast cancer during postoperative chemotherapy and determine its associated factors. METHODS: This study enrolled 161 patients with breast cancer who received postoperative chemotherapy. Type C personality behavior pattern questionnaire was used to assess type C behavior patterns. The following instruments were employed: medical coping modes questionnaire, social support scale, social relational quality scale, Herth hope index. logistic regression was used to identify the factors affecting type C behavior. RESULTS: The incidence of type C behavior was 28%. Participants aged 45–59 years (OR = 3.62, 95% CI = 1.04–12.56, P = 0.043), and who adopted a resignation coping style (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.03–1.50, P = 0.021), were more likely to develop type C behavior. Type C behavior was less common in patients with employment (OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.15–0.97, P = 0.043), with a high level of social support (OR = 0.89, 95% CI= 0.80–0.98, P = 0.023), and more hope (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.71–0.98, P = 0.079). CONCLUSION: In this study, 28% patients with breast cancer during postoperative chemotherapy exhibited type C behavior. Associated factors with type C behavior were identified, which could guide health care professionals to reduce the prevalence of type C behavior through guiding patients to adopt positive coping styles and improving their level of social support and hope, especially in those aged 45 to 59 years or in those without employment.