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The influence of adjuvant chemotherapy on cognitive functioning of women with breast cancer: a literature review
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Abstract
The aim of this work is to analyze results of previously conducted studies of the effects of adjuvant chemotherapy on
cognitive performance of women treated for breast cancer. We have analyzed the results of 40 neuropsychological
studies published to June 2011. Women with breast cancer who were treated with chemotherapy were found to
experience some kind of deterioration in attention, memory and language skills. The results indicate that subjectively
perceived cognitive deficits are associated with distress accompanying cancer and its treatment. In the majority of
studies of cognitive functioning using neuropsychological tests deterioration in attention, processing speed, memory,
visuo-spatial functions and language skills has been demonstrated. No correlation has been found between
deterioration of cognitive functioning and level of depression and anxiety, fatigue, hormonal status and quality of life.
Abstract
The aim of this work is to analyze results of previously conducted studies of the effects of adjuvant chemotherapy on
cognitive performance of women treated for breast cancer. We have analyzed the results of 40 neuropsychological
studies published to June 2011. Women with breast cancer who were treated with chemotherapy were found to
experience some kind of deterioration in attention, memory and language skills. The results indicate that subjectively
perceived cognitive deficits are associated with distress accompanying cancer and its treatment. In the majority of
studies of cognitive functioning using neuropsychological tests deterioration in attention, processing speed, memory,
visuo-spatial functions and language skills has been demonstrated. No correlation has been found between
deterioration of cognitive functioning and level of depression and anxiety, fatigue, hormonal status and quality of life.
Title
The influence of adjuvant chemotherapy on cognitive functioning of women with breast cancer: a literature review
Journal
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology
Issue
Article type
Review paper
Pages
291-304
Published online
2012-09-01
Page views
1071
Article views/downloads
4192
Bibliographic record
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology 2012;62(4):291-304.
Authors
Paulina Andryszak
Paweł Izdebski
Jerzy Tujakowski