Women’s experiences of cancer-related cognitive impairment, its impact on daily life and care received for it following treatment for breast cancer

Abstract

Several women who undergo treatment for breast cancer experience cancer-related cognitive impairment [CRCI] commonly known as 'Chemobrain' or 'Chemofog'. However, many oncologists and other cancer clinicians are unaware of the high prevalence and severity of these symptoms. Few qualitative studies on the topic provide a comprehensive description of this phenomenon. This study provides a detailed description of women's experiences of CRCI, its impact on daily life and care received for it following treatment for breast cancer in Australia. Experiences of CRCI included difficulty in remembering things and recalling previously known tasks, inability to stay focussed on a task and other symptoms. The impact on daily life included economic, psychosocial and minimal impacts. Participants described both good care received as well as the clinical team's lack of understanding of CRCI. We conclude that CRCI in women treated for breast cancer affects memory and attention and has a significant impact on women's lives. Care provided for CRCI is inadequate in Australia. The economic and psychosocial impacts on women's daily lives coupled with increasing rates of survivorship highlight the need for more resources to be allocated for the management of these symptoms.

Adaptations to cognitive problems reported by breast cancer survivors seeking cognitive rehabilitation: A qualitative study

“…Although memory was the most frequent cognitive change theme, multiple themes were identified and these often co‐occurred. The types of problems reported were consistent with those found in other qualitative studies . The co‐occurring cognitive problems suggest screening, assessment, and management approaches for cancer survivors should incorporate domains beyond memory and attention.…”

“…Systematic reviews or meta‐synthesis of qualitative studies and other individual qualitative studies with smaller numbers of breast cancer survivors have reported similar findings. For example, semistructured interviews with 18 breast cancer survivors, followed by a focus group, revealed that participants reported problems with short‐term memory, word finding, concentration, and poorer performance in work, study, driving, and financial management .…”

Prevalence of cognitive impairment and change in patients with breast cancer: A systematic review of longitudinal studies

“…Among available treatment options, CT is most frequently linked to mild to moderate cognitive decline, as illustrated by commonly used terms as “chemobrain” or “chemofog” 3–6 . Cognitive impairment and associated poor quality of life (QOL) is rated as one of the most bothersome symptoms by cancer survivors and has long been reported during and after treatment courses 7–9 . In turn, poor QOL and increased levels of distress are related to increased use of health care and costs 10 .…”

‘A new normal with chemobrain’: Experiences of the impact of chemotherapy-related cognitive deficits in long-term breast cancer survivors

“…These struggles become particularly pertinent when returning to work (Rimke et al, 2018). To date, there is limited research into the psychosocial impact of chemobrain (Bolton and Isaacs, 2018) and the lack of prior information, validation or understanding from healthcare professionals, friends and family, has led to reports of disempowerment and subsequently receiving minimal levels of emotional and professional support (Mitchell and Turton, 2011).…”