Perceived Cognitive Impairment in Breast Cancer Survivors and Its Relationships with Psychological Factors

Abstract

Cognitive complaints are common adverse effects for breast cancer survivors, with potential negative impacts on quality of life or return to work. Identifying subjects at risk could allow to reduce cognitive disorders or to set up appropriate care. In this study we explored current cognitive complaints reported by breast cancer survivors, using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognition (FACT-Cog) questionnaire and examined the relationships between current cognitive complaints and current psychological symptoms (especially post-traumatic stress symptoms). This large survey showed that about half of breast cancer survivors reported cognitive complaints after cancer treatments. These complaints were mainly associated with chemotherapy, age, self-reported sleep difficulties, the frequency of psychotropic treatments and psychological factors including post-traumatic stress symptoms or. Some modifiable risk factors should be detected early to reduce persistent cognitive complaints after cancer, including sleep difficulties and post-traumatic stress symptoms.