NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE SECONDARY TO CHEMOTHERAPY- RELATED COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN BREAST CANCER

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Abstract

Objective: To compare the neuropsychological profile before and after chemotherapy treatment in patients diagnosed with breast cancer treated at the Haemato-Oncology Service of a hospital in Santiago, Chile. Material and Method: A quantitative, exploratory and prospective study was carried out, including 10 women with breast cancer aged 43 to 65 years. Cognitive functions and emotional status were assessed using validated instruments. Descriptive analysis and the Wilcoxon test (p= < .05) were performed, ensuring data quality
through standardised test administration. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in inhibitory executive functions (Z= -2.032; p= .042; r= .64) and stress levels (Z= -2.530; p= .011; r= .80), indicating improved cognitive performance and reduced stress following treatment, with large effect
sizes. No significant differences were found in other cognitive or affective
variables. Nevertheless, participants reported a reduction in subjective
complaints after chemotherapy. Conclusions: In the sample, significant differences before and after chemotherapy treatment were observed exclusively in the inhibitory executive function word subtest and stress. Participants reported reduced cognitive complaints after treatment. This may be associated with reduced stress following the cancer diagnosis and completion of chemotherapy treatment. Further research is recommended.