Symptom experiences of cancer-related cognitive impairment in women with ovarian cancer

Abstract

Background Ovarian cancer is one of the most common cancers and the leading death cause among women. This article aims to explore ovarian cancer survivors’ symptom experience of cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eligible ovarian cancer patients in Cancer Center of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. This study was guided by symptom management theory. Qualitative content analysis and thematic framework analysis were used to refine themes. Results The average age of participants (n = 31) was 51.38 years (range 25–65 years)and median time since diagnosis was one year range 0.35–14.2 years). Six themes were identified from the research: Experiencing subtle memory, concentration and language problems. Denying or having no chance of noticing the cognition change impacting their life. “The Comfort” blunting symptom perception, response and causing the brain to "retire”. Couldn’t figure out which was the cause and which was the effect among those symptoms. Surgical anaesthesia and chemotherapy were blamed for the change. Try not burden brain, actively or passively let themself "slow down" or "offload" things. Personalized and repeated "note", "check" and "confirm" measures to prevent mistakes. Conclusions The majority of ovarian cancer patients experienced symptoms of CRCI, highlighted by memory and attention problems, however most patients stated that cognitive symptoms didn’t affect their lives. Sociocultural and cancer copying style played an important role in the CRCI symptom experience.