Memory, Cognitive Functions and Pattern of Distress among Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors: A Cross-sectional Study.

Psychological distress, specifically cognitive deficits that arise after cancer related treatment can affect an individual’s daily functioning and quality of life. Several studies reported psychological concerns, memory and cognitive deficits in breast cancer patients and survivors. This study aimed to find Memory, Cognitive function and pattern of Distress among Breast Cancer patients and Survivors. Prospective Cross Sectional study design was used in the study. Women aged between 20 and 60 years, diagnosed with (Stages I/II/III) Breast Cancer planned for or underwent curative intent chemotherapy were included in the study. There were 79 study participants which included survivors (N=27), post-chemotherapy patients (N=27) and pre-chemotherapy patients (N=25). Participants were assessed using Post-Graduate Institute Memory Scale (PGIMS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), NCCN Distress Thermometer and Distress Inventory - Cancer Version 2 (DICV2). Independent-sample t-test, Pearson Correlation Coefficient, ANOVA and Post hoc tests were used to analyse the data. Majority of the survivors and post-chemotherapy patients had increased cognitive impairment when compared to the pre-chemotherapy patients. Though not significant, it was found that memory impairment was greater among post chemotherapy patients and survivors. A significant positive relationship between Memory and Cognitive function and a significant negative relationship between Memory and Distress were found. Participants with higher levels of education had better cognitive functioning and memory levels and older people found to have deterioration in memory. The study concluded there was Cognitive decline and Distress among Breast cancer patients and survivors after completing chemotherapy. The study highlights the importance of appropriate psychotherapeutic interventions for the management of distress and cognitive difficulties among breast cancer patients and survivors during and after treatment.