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The Experience of Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment Across Common Cancers: A Qualitative Systematic Review
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is frequently reported during cancer treatment, with 35% experiencing cognitive issues even after treatment completion. Frequently reported impairments include difficulties with memory, attention, executive functioning, and processing speed, which often detract from daily functioning and quality of life (QoL). Despite its prevalence, CRCI remains under-researched across common cancers, limiting understanding of the patient experience. This review aims to examine the evidence regarding the experience of CRCI across common cancers. And to understand the frequency of CRCI among different cancer types, the affected cognitive domains, and its impact on quality of life and functional ability. Method: A comprehensive search of databases, including PubMed, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Scopus, was performed. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, with a third reviewer resolving conflicts during the inclusion process. The CASP tool was used for data extraction and quality assessment. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results:
The database search identified 9,316 papers; 41 were included for analysis. The analysis revealed 4 themes. “Cognitive Challenges”, including memory and concentration; “Navigating Employment”, covers returning to work, support, and disclosure; “Emotional, Behavioral, and Psychological Impacts”, explores emotional and psychological responses; and “Support Systems”, emphases the role of social and healthcare support.
Conclusions:
The review highlights the significant disruption CRCI causes in daily life, stressing the need for increased awareness, standardised screening, and further research into digital interventions. Implications for cancer survivors: Improved management of CRCI can help cancer survivors reintegrate into their daily lives and employment.
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Copyright
© The authors. All rights reserved. This is a privileged document currently under peer-review/community review (or an accepted/rejected manuscript). Authors have provided JMIR Publications with an exclusive license to publish this preprint on it's website for review and ahead-of-print citation purposes only. While the final peer-reviewed paper may be licensed under a cc-by license on publication, at this stage authors and publisher expressively prohibit redistribution of this draft paper other than for review purposes.