Experiences of Women with Breast Cancer Disclosing Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment Symptoms to Health Professionals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis

Abstract

Objective: Cancer-related cognitive impairment involves changes in a range of cognitive domains and executive functions in people diagnosed with cancer. This study aimed to explore the impacts of cancer-related cognitive impairment on women with breast cancer, their experiences disclosing symptoms to health professionals, and methods of coping with cognitive impairment symptoms. Methods: A systematic review and meta-synthesis was conducted utilising meta aggregative strategies to create synthesised findings from existing literature. Six databases were searched from inception until mid-October 2022, with eligible studies appraised using the QualSyst Quality Assessment Checklist. Results: Three synthesised findings were created from a sample of 8 included studies. Findings highlight that women primarily initiated cognitive impairment disclosure conversations and experienced dismissal or minimisation of their symptoms. Women rarely received information about cancer-related cognitive impairment symptoms before treatment commencement, which impacted their ability to adjust to symptoms. Positive interactions with health professionals often primarily involved the validation of symptoms. Women often utilised coping strategies shared by other women and reported that health professionals could be more involved in managing cognitive impairment symptoms. Conclusion: This meta-synthesis highlights the importance of health professionals informing women of potential cognitive impairment symptoms before treatment and discussing, validating and follow up on cognitive impairment symptoms. Keywords: cancer; oncology; breast cancer; cancer-related cognitive impairment; health professionals; review