Background: Anxiety is common among women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer and may impair well-being and treatment experience. However, its associations with clinical timing and emotional support remain unclear. This study examined sociodemographic, clinical, and interpersonal correlates of anxiety during active chemotherapy.


Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study enrolled 200 women with histologically confirmed stage I–III breast cancer receiving active chemotherapy at specialized oncology centers in Kerman, Iran, using purposive convenience sampling. Anxiety was assessed with the Anxious Preoccupation subscale of the Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer scale. Scores were compared across demographic and clinical characteristics using independent-samples t tests, one-way analysis of variance, and Fisher’s least significant difference post hoc test.

Results: Anxiety scores differed significantly according to the primary source of emotional support, time since diagnosis, and duration of chemotherapy. Women who identified parents as their principal source of emotional support reported higher anxiety scores than those primarily supported by spouses or children. Anxiety also followed a non-linear pattern over time, with the highest scores observed approximately 4 months after diagnosis, exceeding scores reported at 3, 5, and 6 months. Anxiety was not significantly associated with educational level, marital status, health-insurance type, tumor histology, histological grade, or laterality of the affected breast.

Conclusion: Among women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer, anxiety was associated with emotional-support source and time since diagnosis rather than measured tumor characteristics or general sociodemographic factors. Women approximately 4 months after diagnosis and those relying primarily on parental support may benefit from closer psychological assessment. Longitudinal research is needed to clarify temporal patterns and guide culturally responsive, family-centered psychosocial interventions.