A 2021 systematic review in Psycho-Oncology examined 17 long-term studies of women with breast cancer. About 25% of women had cognitive impairment even before treatment, about 24% after treatment and about 21% a year later. About a quarter experienced a decline compared with their pre-treatment level.
What is important to know
Women treated with chemotherapy were more likely to have impairment and decline than women who did not receive chemotherapy or healthy women. For some women, cognitive function improved over time.
What this means for you
- Memory or attention problems after treatment are real, not “imagined”.
- Tell your oncologist about them: rehabilitation options exist.
- Notes, reminders and rest help in everyday life.
Sources
- Dijkshoorn ABC, van Stralen HE, Sloots M et al. Prevalence of cognitive impairment and change in patients with breast cancer: a systematic review of longitudinal studies. Psycho-Oncology. 2021;30(5):635–648. doi:10.1002/pon.5623