The perceptions of Australian oncologists about cognitive changes in cancer survivors

Smidt K 1 , Mackenzie L 2 , Dhillon H 3 , Vardy J 4 , Lewis J 5 , Loh SY 6

Affiliations 

  • 1 Orange Health Service, Bloomfield, NSW, 2800, Australia
  • 2 Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, 75 East Street, Lidcombe, NSW, 2141, Australia. [email protected]
  • 3 Faculty of Medicine, Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
  • 4 Faculty of Medicine, Concord Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
  • 5 Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, 75 East Street, Lidcombe, NSW, 2141, Australia
  • 6 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Support Care Cancer, 2016 11;24(11):4679-87.
PMID: 27320905 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-016-3315-y

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Cancer-related cognitive changes (CRCC) can have a profound impact on a cancer survivor's quality of life. However, cancer survivors frequently report receiving limited information about their experience of CRCC from their oncology specialists. This qualitative study aimed to explore the perceptions of oncology specialists regarding CRCC and the potential for their views to influence their decisions about patient care.

METHODS: Thirteen medical oncologists and five radiation oncologists currently practising in Australia participated in this study. Data collection involved individual semi-structured interviews via telephone. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach.

RESULTS: Four key themes emerged: (1) beliefs about the impact of priming on cancer survivors' perceived cognitive function, (2) perceptions of who is more likely to raise concerns of cognitive change, (3) uncertainty of how to best manage CRCC, and (4) the perceived role of oncologists in the management of CRCC.

CONCLUSIONS: CRCC and its impact on the cancer survivor's journey have been under-addressed by oncology specialists, and they are uncertain of potential management strategies. With cancer survival rates increasing, there is a need for specific interventions and management guidelines addressing CRCC and their effects on cancer survivors. Future exploration should focus on the survivor as central to their care and holistic approaches to CRCC management involving all members of the multidisciplinary team.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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