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Cognitive functioning in breast cancer survivors: a controlled comparison.
Heather S L Jim1, Kristine A Donovan, Brent J Small
1Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA. heather.jim@moffitt.org
Cancer
|February 19, 2009
Summary
Breast cancer survivors show subtle cognitive differences 6 months post-treatment. These changes in neuropsychologic functioning appear linked to the overall cancer experience, not just systemic therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuropsychology
- Cancer Survivorship
Background:
- Adjuvant treatment for breast cancer can impact survivors' well-being.
- Neuropsychologic functioning is a key area of concern for breast cancer survivors post-treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare neuropsychologic functioning in breast cancer survivors versus cancer-free women.
- To assess cognitive differences 6 months after adjuvant cancer treatment completion.
Main Methods:
- 187 breast cancer survivors (ductal carcinoma in situ, stage I/II) and 187 matched controls participated.
- Survivors received chemotherapy +/- radiotherapy or radiotherapy only.
- Cognitive functioning, impairment, and symptoms were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant, though small, differences in cognitive functioning and impairment were found in survivors treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy compared to controls.
- No significant differences were observed in cognitive symptoms between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive deficits in breast cancer survivors are subtle.
- These deficits may stem from the general impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment, rather than systemic therapies alone.
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