More research is needed to understand what causes it. Pamela Harding believes we can. " August;16(8):772-7 Barbara Tako, 54, underwent multiple types of treatment after receiving a diagnosis of stage 1 breast cancer at age 46. Among the many side effects of breast cancer treatment, the fogginess or mental changes that many people experience can be a frustrating one. ‘Chemo brain’ is a common side effect – affecting as many as 70% of cancer patients – which can be felt as a decline in mental ‘sharpness’. Some people find using mindfulness helpful. Unless you’re taking part in a clinical trial it’s unlikely that you will be prescribed any medicine. Chemo Brain and Breast Cancer. Cognitive changes mean changes in memory, concentration and the way a person is able to think. PHOTOGRAPHY. Tax-ID: 73-1386920, December 2016 Journal of Clinical Oncology, Managing menopause and more with gynecologic cancer, Dangerous drug interactions: Common medicines to avoid while undergoing oral chemotherapy, Immunotherapy treatment for breast cancer remains elusive. Commonly called “chemo brain,” it’s often described as an overall mental fogginess, and breast cancer patients may find that it lasts for six months after chemotherapy ends, according to a study published in the December 2016 Journal of Clinical Oncology. Some people find puzzles, brain training apps or computer games useful. 4. Miri owns about 25 different wigs from their chemo days and enjoys deploying them strategically. By Kathleen Doheny HealthDay Reporter. It’s going to be difficult to combat that term,” Asher told Healio. During and following breast cancer treatment some people find it difficult to concentrate or feel more forgetful. There are a few NHS cancer centres in the UK that offer mindfulness classes. Further support. “ I advise my patients to embrace those lifestyle changes for many more proven reasons such as reduced future cancer risk, with the added benefit that it might help hasten recovery from chemo brain. This may include a counsellor or support group. Patients often describe it as a … 7. Cancer treatment can have unintended consequences. These may be temporary or more long term, and can be very scary to deal with. This can lead to you feeling stressed, which can make the symptoms worse. It usually improves over time after treatment has finished, but for some people it can continue. It can be very frustrating and have a big impact on daily life. For patients with metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread), treatment often affects more than just the breast… As a faculty member at ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation, she recently co-led a continuing education course for therapists and other clinicians called “Cancer-Related Cognitive Decline.” Listen to the podcast to hear Erica explain: why “cancer-related cognitive decline” is the most up-to-date term for chemo brain Following is an article on the “chemo-brain”, ie difficulties with memory after chemotherapy. What are the symptoms of chemo brain? Effects on concentration or memory (‘chemo brain’) Some people find treatment affects their ability to concentrate and makes them more forgetful. This is sometimes referred to as ‘chemo brain’ or ‘chemo fog’. Chemotherapy drugs targeting breast cancer cells in the brain aren’t effective because they can’t cross the blood-brain-barrier. Classes may also combine mindfulness with meditation, yoga and breathing techniques. Patients only have about six months to live. You may find that physical activity helps to clear your head and allows you to focus better. If so, they can refer you for help or give information about local services. The mental cloudiness experienced before, during and after chemotherapy is often called “chemo brain.” These mental and cognitive difficulties associated with treatment can be a frustrating side effect. As might be expected, people 55 and older are more likely to experience cognitive deficits. Chemo brain, or chemo fog, as it has been dubbed, was first reported by breast cancer survivors. Chemotherapy and Cognitive Function in Breast Cancer Patients: The So-Called Chemo Brain. It can be very frustrating and have a big impact on daily life. “‘Chemo brain’ was popularized initially in breast cancer survivors, and it’s what our patients use. When you return to work it can help to speak to your co-workers – they might be able to remind you to do certain tasks, or help you relearn any skills you’ve forgotten. 1. For example, hormone therapy or ovarian suppression may also have this effect. Occasionally, chemo may be given directly into the spinal fluid which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. While my cancer was not breast cancer, I underwent a great deal of chemotherapy (autologous stem cell transplant) and let me assure you, chemo brain is real. Some experts think that chemotherapy may speed up the normal ageing process. This could be a walk, a cycle or swim – whatever you enjoy doing. You might notice that tiredness or hunger have an effect. You can ask your breast care nurse or GP about this. Am I at risk of cognitive impairment? Scientists say results suggest that much more research is needed to investigate how breast cancer treatments affect the brain. Try to stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet. Death rates for breast cancer have declined over the last several decades, and the United States is home to more than 3.1 million survivors. 6. How is cognitive impairment treated? For more information about returning to work, see our web pages on breast cancer and employment. Changes in memory or concentration and the ability to think clearly during cancer treatment are often called cancer-related cognitive changes (CRCC) or chemo brain. Your HR team may also be able to suggest other sources of support. Chemo brain is the result of brain damage, much of which heals over time but some of which appears to persist for decades. Chemotherapy can help you fight cancer, but side effects are almost certain. Women with HER2-positive breast cancer tend to develop brain metastases in up to 55% of cases. These problems were first reported after chemotherapy treatment. - LAUREN B. These changes were still seen on scans 5 to 10 years after treatment stopped." This is sometimes referred to as ‘chemo brain’ or ‘chemo fog’. Tell your treatment team about your symptoms. Symptoms of breast cancer in the brain can include: headache changes in senses controlled by the brain such as slurred speech, blurred vision, balance problems, dizziness, or anything else … This is because the symptoms were first linked to chemotherapy. Having experienced chemo brain, BARBARA TAKO says more research and treatments are needed to combat the problem. Research covered by Medical News Today early this year indicated that chemo brain can severely impact people undergoing cancer treatment, with over 45 percent of breast cancer … Everybody knows that chemotherapy kills cancer cells and comes with side effects like nausea and fatigue. We understand that people with cancer are worried about coronavirus. Study Finds Scientific Basis for ‘Chemo Brain’ in Breast Cancer Patients. So these changes used to be called chemo brain. Members of MyBCTeam share frustrations and coping strategies around “waiting for the fog to lift.” “I’m two years out and still have “cog fog!” Less … Although it’s commonly called ‘chemo brain’, some people with cancer will experience changes to their memory and concentration even if they don’t have chemotherapy. But changes in memory and concentration can affect people with cancer who have not had chemotherapy. Chemo brain is a common term used by cancer survivors to describe thinking and memory problems that can occur during and after cancer treatment. However, there are some things you can do to help manage your symptoms. A month after chemotherapy treatments ended, 45 percent of patients reported a significant decline in their cognitive abilities, while only one in 10 in the comparison group experienced the same issues. Research covered by Medical News Today early this year indicated that chemo brain can severely impact people undergoing cancer treatment, with over 45 percent of breast cancer … Some of the common symptoms include: Common day-to-day examples given by people with cognitive impairment include: There’s only limited evidence about whether taking particular medicines will help improve cognitive impairment, and research is ongoing. It is not yet clear what causes chemo brain. What causes cognitive impairment? ” writes Harding. 4. For example, researchers first looked at this in women with breast cancer and found that chemotherapy might be the cause. After fighting cancer, Alzheimer’s would be nasty. What is cognitive impairment? But, in one of the largest studies to date exploring chemo brain in breast cancer patients, researchers at the University of Rochester have more data to support the theory. Research over the past decade has revealed that many cancer patients experience such symptoms as a consequence of specific damage to the brain … Many people also practise mindfulness on their own – there are lots of books and websites dedicated to mindfulness, as well as apps. One study demonstrated that, a year after treatment, the brains of cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy (after surgery) had physically shrunk while those of people only treated surgically had not. The researchers did not hypothesize on why chemotherapy drugs appear to cause cognitive breakdowns, and they couldn’t even determine whether a direct cause-and-effect relationship exists. So can we treat chemo-brain by eating certain foods? What are the symptoms of cognitive impairment? Pamela Harding believes we can. K Hermelink. You can also call our free Helpline and talk to one of our experts on 0808 800 6000 for more information and support. Since being diagnosed with breast cancer, I can't seem to keep on top of things like I used to and it seems like I'm in a fog. Chemo brain is characterized by reduced verbal ability, impaired decision making, faulty short-term memory and other deficits. According to the American Cancer Society, symptoms of chemo brain include: Past research has linked memory issues to certain chemotherapy drugs prescribed to treat many types of breast cancer. Symptoms vary from person to person and may not be that obvious. It isn’t known exactly what causes changes to memory and concentration following cancer treatment. It affects memory, concentration, and an individual’s ability to multitask, … So these changes used to be called chemo brain. When breast cancer spreads to the brain, the prognosis is grim. Today we are discussing cancer-related cognitive impairment, also known as “chemo fog” or “chemo brain” which can be connected either to specific cancer treatments or to a cancer diagnosis. That knowledge may help lead patients to tools and therapies designed to help alleviate the symptoms. How can you tell them apart: Chemo-brain may… But changes in memory and concentration can affect people with cancer who have not had chemotherapy. Studies in breast cancer patients find rates of chemo brain ranging between 17 and 75 percent. There exist various advanced chemotherapy drugs for BC; however, chemotherapy drugs may result in brain damage during treatment. If you are going back to work and think you may need support, talk to your manager or HR team beforehand. Chemo brain can affect anyone that is having or has had treatment for breast cancer, including those that haven’t had chemotherapy. Here is the latest guidance.We will update it regularly. Chemo brain, or chemo fog, as it has been dubbed, was first reported by breast cancer survivors. PURPOSE: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women worldwide. 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