Importance of social support for functional status in breast cancer patients.

The role of social support in functional status to a diagnosis of cancer was examined in 84 patients with breast cancer. Multivariate techniques were used to assess the relationships among the dimensions of social support, as measured by the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and functional status, assessed with the Inventory of the Functional Status Cancer (IFSA-CA). The results indicated significant independent associations between support and functional status outcomes, underscoring the importance of examining social support to evaluate functional status of patients. Nurses cognizant of breast cancer survivors challenges and concerns in areas of social support and are in a unique position to enhance functional status.