Cognitive problems related to cancer and cancer treatment

Some patients with cancer may experience cognitive impairment during or after their treatment. Cognitive impairment is a problem with your thoughts - like remembering things or focusing. Cognitive problems may coincide with fatigue, mood shifts, the illness itself, and/or its treatment. Cognitive problems usually do not last long. Some patients do face persistent issues. At the Netherlands Cancer Institute, we conduct a lot of research into the development of cognitive problems and their treatment options.

Although we currently cannot yet prevent these problems from occurring, we can help you learn to navigate these issues. Would you like to find out more? In the videos below, various professionals explain what cognitive problems are, while several patients and loved ones share their stories. You will also learn what you can do if you recognize any of these issues yourself.

Are you a health care professional working with oncology patients? Please find the information for professionals further down on this page.

What are cognitive problems

In the video below, clinical neuropsychologist prof. dr. Sanne Schagen, neurologist dr. Annette Compter, and cognitive neuroscientist dr. Michiel de Ruiter explain what cognitive impairment is and how it may develop.

Patient experiences

Not every patient with cancer will face cognitive problems. And the people who do, often improve significantly over time. Some patients do face long-term cognitive impairment. Two patients who were treated for cancer share their experiences in the video below.

Cognitive problems as a result of brain tumors

Patients with brain tumors often experience cognitive impairment. In the video below, one of our patients tells us more about his symptoms. Neurologist dr. Annette Compter, cognitive neuroscientist dr. Michiel de Ruiter, and clinical neuropsychologist prof. dr. Sanne Schagen share specific information for patients facing cognitive problems as a result of brain tumors or the effect of the treatment (like chemotherapy and radiation) on the brain.

Experiences of loved ones

Cognitive impairment does not only affect the patient - it also has a tremendous impact on their partner and/or family. In the video below, loved ones share their experiences with the changes they saw in their partner or family member, and tell us how they deal with the situation.

How can we treat cognitive problems?

Together with your practicing physician or neuropsychologist, we try to map out what kinds of problems our patients face in their daily lives to support them in finding strategies to adequately navigate their cognitive impairment. Rehabilitation physician Kirsten Nienhuys and clinical neuropsychologist dr. Chantal Geusgens explain how this works.

If you are experiencing cognitive problems that impact your life, or if you are worried, please ask your practicing physician whether there are grounds to consider a referral to a neuropsychologist. Your neuropsychologist will investigate whether these are caused by a cognitive disorder. Depending on your results, we can discuss what steps we can take to minimize your symptoms.

Cognitive problems in cancer patients

In the video below, clinical neuropsychologist prof. dr. Sanne Schagen, neurologist dr. Annette Compter, and cognitive neuroscientist dr. Michiel de Ruiter explain cognitive impairment related to cancer, how you can recognize them, and what you can do when you suspect cognitive problems.

Cognitive problems in cancer patients with brain tumors

In the video below, clinical neuropsychologist prof. dr. Sanne Schagen, neurologist dr. Annette Compter, and cognitive neuroscientist dr. Michiel de Ruiter give specific information about cognitive problems related to brain tumors or their treatment (chemotherapy and radiation) on the brain.

Cognitive problems in cancer patients at work

Company doctors have an important role in the return to work after cancer treatment. In the video below, clinical company physician dr. David Bruinvels explains how a company doctor can best guide a patient with cancer. The director of the reintegration bureau Re-turn, drs. Ragna van Hummel, explains the role a reintegration bureau can play. At the end, a patient and her employer share their experiences.