Measures of Cognitive Function and Work in Occupationally Active Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated performance-based and patient-reported cognitive limitations on work output. METHODS: Working breast cancer survivors (BCS) (n = 122) and a non-cancer comparison group (NCCG; n = 113) completed measures of cognitive function, fatigue, distress, job stress, and work output. RESULTS: Distress, fatigue, and job stress were higher in the BCS group who were on average 3-years post-treatment. Patient-reported cognitive limitations at work were related to work output in BCS (memory beta = 0.29; executive function beta = 0.26) only. Changes in work output were more responsive to changes in job stress and fatigue in the BCS group. CONCLUSIONS: Reports of cognitive problems at work should be carefully followed up.