Breast cancer chemotherapy affects patients’ memory
Many breast cancer patients say they have trouble thinking logically during and after chemotherapy.
Now Canadian researchers have found that there are indeed problems with memory and language skills that appear to be linked to chemotherapy.
The researchers found that 31 women who were taking cancer drugs scored worse on tests of memory and language.
In addition, 40 women who had completed chemotherapy for at least a year had significantly more problems with language and visual function.
Chemotherapy attacks tumor cells with drugs that are often toxic to healthy cells as well.
The most common reactions are nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue and infection. But more subtle side effects, such as weakened mental abilities, can also occur.