Perceived cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) has been reported in prostate cancer survivors. Little is known about how CRCI impacts occupational functioning in working-aged prostate cancer survivors (PCS). This study aimed to investigate the association between CRCI and occupational functioning in PCS.
Data from 51 PCS, who were employed at the time of diagnosis, undergoing hormonal treatments (e.g., androgen deprivation therapy) or 'watchful waiting'/ 'active surveillance', were analysed. An online survey assessed CRCI using the FACT-Cog Perceived Cognitive Impairments (PCI20) subscale, the EORTC-QLQ-30 two-item cognitive functioning scale, and a single 'Yes/No' CRCI item (i.e., were 'changes in thinking (e.g., memory, attention)' experienced as a treatment side effect). PCS also indicated 'Yes/No' to changes to their ability to work, performance of work duties, and decreased work hours. Logistic regression analyses examined the relationship between CRCI measures and occupational outcomes.
Of the 51 PCS, 19 (37%) endorsed experiencing cognitive side effects from treatment. The single 'Yes/No' CRCI question was significantly associated with perceived changes in work ability and ability to perform work duties at the same level. PCI20 and the EORTC-QLQ-30 cognitive functioning scale were not significantly associated with any occupational outcomes.
Perceived CRCI is associated with adverse changes to occupational functioning and is important to consider when PCS are making plans to return-to-work following treatment.
Prostate cancer survivors may experience cognitive changes, which may impact their work ability.
Journal of cancer survivorship : research and practice. 2025 Jan 15 [Epub ahead of print]
Lorna Pembroke, Kerry A Sherman, Haryana M Dhillon, Heather Francis, David Gillatt, Howard Gurney
Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia. ., Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia., Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-Based Decision-Making, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia., Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University & Macquarie University Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia., Macquarie University Urology Clinic, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University & Macquarie University Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia., Macquarie University Clinical Trials Unit (CTU), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University & Macquarie University Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.