| Series |
ECU College of Nursing dissertation
ECU College of Nursing dissertation. UNAUTHORIZED
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| Summary |
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted biological therapies are cancer treatments that can increase survivorship in patients with breast cancer, yet the associated cognitive side effects of therapy can significantly reduce quality of life (QOL). Cognitive Impairment has been identified by oncology nurses and patient's as one of the most difficult symptoms to manage. However, methods to detect cognitive impairment are inconsistent in the literature. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of cancer treatment on cognitive impairment in women with breast cancer using self-reported instruments. A descriptive, correlational pilot study was used to compare healthy women of similar age and those women who receive surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy for breast cancer at six months or less of endocrine therapy. This study evaluated three-self reported tools on cognition (attention, memory, and executive function) in conjunction with self-reported tools on symptom burden, QOL, anxiety, and depression. Results showed a significant difference between groups in attention and executive function but not in memory. Women with breast cancer reported significantly more symptoms and demonstrated more anxiety and depression than the healthy women. The findings of this study corresponded with findings from previous studies. However, a larger scale study with a larger sample size needs to be completed to validate these findings. |
| General note | Presented to the faculty of the Department of College of Nursing. |
| General note | Advisor: Ann Schreier |
| General note | Title from PDF t.p. (viewed February 19, 2021). |
| Dissertation note | Nursing East Carolina University 2020. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references. |
| Technical details | System requirements: Adobe Reader. |
| Technical details | Mode of access: World Wide Web. |
