Some people with breast cancer notice changes in how they think and remember information. This is called cancer-related cognitive impairment or may be referred to as “chemo brain”, “cancer fog” or “brain fog”.
What causes thinking and memory changes?
The exact cause is unknown, but studies suggest it may be caused by the cancer or the cancer treatment, side effects such as fatigue, insomnia, pain and hormone changes, the surgical anaesthetic, and anxiety or depression.
Learn more about changes in thinking and memory and listen to our podcast on Brain Fog and Cancer.
Coping with thinking and memory changes
For most people, these problems get better within the first year of finishing treatment. Others may have long-term effects. If you have severe or lasting changes to your thinking and memory, you can see a clinical psychologist or neuropsychologist for cognitive rehabilitation. Speak to your healthcare team about the services at your hospital.
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Podcast: Brain Fog and Cancer
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Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
More resources
A/Prof Cindy Mak, Breast Surgeon and Director of Breast Services, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW; A/Prof Nick Murray, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Royal Adelaide Hospital and GenesisCare Adelaide, SA; Caroline Bennett, Consumer; Tamara Casey, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Breast Assessment Unit, Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA; A/Prof Joe Dusseldorp, Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Lauren Lores, Consumer; Dr Linda Madigan, Breast Physician, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA; Catherine Meredith, Consumer; Ash Mondolo, Breast Cancer Clinical Nurse Consultant, Mater Private Hospital, QLD; Chris Rivett, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Catrina Ross, McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Northern Sydney Local Health District, NSW; Prof Christobel Saunders AO, James Stewart Chair of Surgery and Director of Research, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, VIC; Dr Janice Yeh, Radiation Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; A/Prof Yvonne Zissiadis, Radiation Oncologist, Medical Director, GenesisCare WA and Adjunct A/Prof, Curtin University, WA.
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