It has been known for years that chemotherapy and radiation can affect mental ability. But now, new research from UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center is providing some answers as to why that happens.
Many cancer survivors report an effect called “chemobrain,” which is difficulty with the cognitive ability of mentally processing or understanding things after chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.
Read MoreDr. Judith Carroll, another researcher on the study at the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, tells SurvivorNet the reason for this impact on cognitive function is not understood. She also notes there are not yet treatments for these side effects but hopes that “future interventions that target the reversal of biological aging…might one day be applied in the context of cancer survivors, including treatments for the prevention of cognitive decline.”
Dr. Ganz adds to SurvivorNet that these types of side effects are imperative to consider when making a decision about the benefits of aggressive treatments versus the risks. “If radiation or chemotherapy are going to add little to the survival outcome for a patient, their use should be carefully evaluated due to the potential long term effects.”
This side effect of these types of cancer drugs is of course not the only one survivors can expect during and after treatment. Finding a “new normal,” both mentally and physically can be difficult no matter what your specific course of treatment was. Be sure to discuss all possibilities with your doctor before beginning on any treatment regimen.
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