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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

Living With Cancer

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It's not clear what causes signs and symptoms of memory problems in cancer survivors. Cancer-related causes could include:

Cancer treatments

  • Chemotherapy
  • Hormone therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Stem cell transplant
  • Surgery

Complications of cancer treatment

  • Anemia
  • Fatigue
  • Infection
  • Menopause (associated with hormone therapy)
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Sleep problems, such as insomnia

Emotional reactions to cancer diagnosis and treatment

  • Anxiety
  • Depression

Other causes

  • Inherited susceptibility to chemo brain
  • Medications for other cancer-related signs and symptoms, such as pain medications
Risk factors Symptoms
References
  1. Asher A. Cognitive dysfunction among cancer survivors. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2011;90(suppl):S16.
  2. Phillips KM, et al. Cognitive functioning after cancer treatment. Cancer. 2012;118:1925.
  3. Myers JS. Chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment: The breast cancer experience. Oncology Nursing Forum. 2012;39:E31.
  4. Fardell JE, et al. Chemotherapy and cognitive impairment: Treatment options. Nature Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2011;90:366.
  5. Improving your concentration: Three key steps. CancerCare. http://www.cancercare.org/publications/71-improving_your_concentration_three_key_steps. Accessed Jan. 2, 2013.
  6. Combating chemobrain: Keeping your memory sharp. CancerCare. http://www.cancercare.org/publications/70-combating_chemobrain_keeping_your_memory_sharp. Accessed Jan. 2, 2013.
  7. Cognitive problems. Cancer.Net. http://www.cancer.net/all-about-cancer/treating-cancer/managing-side-effects/cognitive-problems. Accessed Jan. 2, 2013.
  8. Ginkgo. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Jan. 3, 2013.
  9. Vitamin E. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Jan. 3, 2013.
  10. DeVita VT Jr, et al. DeVita, Hellman, and Rosenberg's Cancer: Principles & Practice of Oncology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Wolters Kluwer Health Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008:2751.
  11. Ganz PA. Cancer Survivorship: Today and Tomorrow. New York, N.Y.: Springer; 2007:59.
  12. Feuerstein M. Handbook of Cancer Survivorship. New York, N.Y.: Springer; 2007:287.
  13. Chang G, et al. Mental status changes after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Cancer. 2009;115:4625.
  14. Moynihan TJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 5, 2013.
DS01109 Feb. 2, 2013

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