Introduction: Women with breast cancer report cognitive difficulties during and after treatment. The cause of cognitive changes continues to be debated. It is estimated that 70% of women report cognitive changes and for some, the symptoms lasting up to 20 years. With the survival rates for breast cancer increasing, women have to manage these cognitive changes, whilst trying to return work.
Objectives: Firstly, to identify how a combination of problems related to cognitive changes after breast cancer impact on a woman’s ability to perform her work tasks and participate in employment. Secondly, explore the potential role of occupational therapy in addressing cognitive changes at various points in the recovery process.
Method: A scoping review was conducted to explore what is known about the issues contributing to difficulties performing work tasks and participating in employment for women with cognitive changes due to breast cancer.
Results: In early stages of breast cancer recovery, cognitive symptom recognition may be overlooked as medical professionals may be unaware intervention options. Formal cognitive assessments may not validate self-reported symptoms, or accurately identify task specific problems experienced. At work, women may hide their cognitive difficulties. Employers may feel ill - equipped to deal with such problems. Regardless of when cognitive changes are identified, there is little recognition of the role occupational therapy can play in providing ecologically valid assessments and interventions.
Conclusion: There are substantial opportunities for occupational therapists to provide workplace based cognitive assessments and interventions for women with breast cancer experiencing cognitive difficulties.