Patient-Reported Factors Impacting Memory and Cognition Among Women Currently or Previously Receiving Treatment for Breast Cancer

Objectives Cognitive impairments associated with cancer and cancer treatments have yet to determine definitive causes, gold-standard assessments, or effective treatments to offset or mitigate symptoms. The purpose of the current study was to determine relationships between women with breast cancer and the negative memory impact of treatment and other factors. Materials and methods This online study included 171 participants receiving at least one type of treatment for breast cancer. This descriptive correlational study used two measures to assess memory and one for stress. The survey included demographics, treatments received, and memory. Results Results indicated increased perceived impairments among variables of age, stress, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal treatment modalities. Discussion This study established relationships between memory/cognitive impairments and the variables of age, four treatment modalities, three agents, and stress. Conclusion The results from this study demonstrate the importance of developing standardized assessments to identify the presence and severity of cancer and treatment-related cognitive impairments. The study will be used as a first step to developing a memory support strategy using a web-based nursing intervention considering the impact of stress.