Most often studied in women with breast cancer but seen in many types of cancer, cognitive deficits may be caused by the cancer or its treatment, including surgery and chemotherapy. Common problems affect:
- learning and retaining information
- trouble concentrating and difficulties in working memory (short-term memory)
- ongoing research includes exercise and cognitive training (brain games) to reduce cognitive deficits
- impairment in executive functioning (organizational skills, problem solving)
NCI supports research to measure, understand, and treat cognitive problems due to cancer.
For more information, see: https://prevention.cancer.gov/supportive-care.