Optimizing Assessment of and Education About Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Among Breast Cancer Survivors

Breast cancer survivors often face numerous challenges during and after treatment, including chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) from neurotoxic antineoplastic treatments. Delayed or underreported CIPN may result in worsened symptoms. Several factors influence patient reporting of CIPN presentations to the oncology team, including health literacy, fear, and cultural beliefs. AT A GLANCE ɔ CIPN varies in severity from mild to irreversible, occurs during or after chemotherapy, and lasts for weeks, months, or years. ɔ Assessing for comprehension and health literacy in patients with breast cancer before chemotherapy can help identify knowledge gaps about potential long-term side effects like CIPN. ɔ Implementing patient-reported outcome tools helps ensure breast cancer survivors are heard and symptoms are accurately captured, facilitating better communication and tailoring of symptom management strategies. © 2025, Oncology Nursing Society. All rights reserved.