Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate factors associated with patients' identification of themselves as survivors after a diagnosis of breast cancer.
Methods: A self-administered survey was deployed through the nonprofit organization Breastcancer.org . As part of a larger study, we collected data on treatment, mental health, perceived prognosis, concerns about recurrence, and the question, "Do you consider yourself a survivor of breast cancer?"
Results: Of the 629 survey respondents, 492 (78 %) considered themselves survivors of breast cancer. Factors independently associated with an affirmative response were (1) believing that one's prognosis was "very good" compared to others (p = <0.001), (2) recalling being told that treatment was curative (p = 0.04), (3) having better mental health (p = 0.002), and (4) having received chemotherapy (p = 0.01).
Conclusions and implications for cancer survivors: The disparate factors associated with the identification of oneself as a survivor-both the perception of having a very good prognosis and having received chemotherapy (reflecting high-risk disease rather than a good prognosis)--are intriguing. Clinicians caring for women with breast cancer should be sensitive to the fact that not everyone considers herself a survivor. Addressing transitions at the end of treatment and during the follow-up period may be challenging for clinicians and patients alike. Awareness of the complexities of survivor identification may help clinicians in counseling their patients.