A group from CINTESIS – Center for Health Technology and Services Research is analyzing the impact of cancer on the cognitive functioning of working-age survivors.
The news is released on February 4, the date that marks the annual World Cancer Day, whose main objective is to raise awareness and mobilize in the fight against cancer.
Using a number of online surveys, the researchers are examining complaints and cognitive difficulties of cancer survivors globally and, in particular, at work.
The research team wants to know, for example, what is the capacity for work and what are the limitations felt by survivors in this area. Likewise, it aims to assess psychosocial aspects, including symptoms of depression and anxiety, and the quality of life.
One of the main contributions of this project will be the release of an online cognitive rehabilitation program, specifically designed for this population.
All men and women aged 18 to 65 years-old who have been diagnosed with cancer can participate in this study. Participation is completely voluntary and confidential.
Capacity changes persist after treatments
According to Ana Filipa Oliveira, a researcher at CINTESIS/University of Aveiro, up to 75% of people diagnosed with cancer report changes in their cognitive abilities during cancer treatments, and about 35% continue having some impairment or complaints after finishing treatments.
“These changes are a factor of concern for cancer survivors, and may interfere with the quality of life and daily functioning, particularly at work,” she says.
In Portugal, according to the latest data from the Global Cancer Observatory of the World Health Organization (Globocan) 2020, there were more than 22 thousand new cases of cancer in the working-age population (15-64 years) and more than 63 thousand people in this age group are living with the disease (up to five years after diagnosis).
Besides Ana Filipa Oliveira, other researchers participate in the project. They are Isabel M. Santos from the William James Center for Research and a collaborator of CINTESIS, Ana Torres from CINTESIS, and Linda M. Ercoli, from the University of Califórnia in Los Angeles (UCLA). Also, Anabela Pereira, Sara Monteiro, Ana Bártolo, Helena Sousa, Rita Tavares and Milaydis Sosa Napolskij from CINTESIS, and David Oliveira from DigiMedia/University of Aveiro are involved in the project.
The project “Cognitive Functioning in Cancer and Work-Related Outcomes: Effectiveness of an Online Cognitive Rehabilitation Program” is funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and by CINTESIS.
The online survey is available HERE.