Cognitive function and quality of life after surgery for early breast cancer in North Jutland, Denmark

Objective. The aim of this study was to assess cognitive function, quality of life, and psychological distress after surgery for early breast cancer but before initiation of adjuvant treatment. Material and methods. We performed a population-based study in the county of North Jutland, Denmark, including 124 women aged less than 60 years who had surgery for early breast cancer from 2004 - 2006. They were compared with an aged-matched group of 224 women without previous cancer selected randomly from the same population. The cognitive function of patients and controls was tested using a revised battery from the ISPOCD study. Data were collected on quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) and psychological distress (POMS). Result. The neuropsychological tests did not reveal significant differences between patients and controls. Compared to the control group, breast cancer patients had a significantly 3 - 4 fold increased risk of experiencing cognitive impairment. Quality of life and psychological distress were also significantly poorer among patients. Conclusion. This study demonstrated that women diagnosed with breast cancer experience a significant deterioration of their perceived cognitive functioning, quality of life and of psychological well being.