Differences in total cognition and cerebrovascular function in female breast cancer survivors and cancer-free women

Exercise as a Therapeutic Strategy to Improve Cerebrovascular Function and Cognition in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer globally. While the breast cancer prevalence continues to rise, so too do patient survival rates, thus resulting in a large survivor population. Up to 75% of this population report experiencing cancer-related cognitive impairment during their cancer journey, thus reducing their quality of survivorship. This review systematically evaluates the effect of physical activity and exercise training on cerebrovascular function and cognition in breast cancer survivors. Cross-sectional, intervention or observational studies that examined the effect of acute or chronic exercise training or physical activity levels on cerebrovascular function and cognition in female breast cancer survivors were searched for systematically. The 11 included studies were tabulated and described narratively. The included studies primarily focused on aerobic exercise training, while only four studies investigated the effect of resistance exercise training or concurrent training on cerebrovascular function and/or cognition in breast cancer survivors. Collectively, these studies provide preliminary evidence supporting the positive effect of exercise training on cerebrovascular function and cognition in breast cancer survivors, irrespective of their age, stage of breast cancer and treatment regimen. However, more research is required to comprehensively evaluate the effect of exercise training on cerebrovascular function and cognition in breast cancer survivors and the mechanisms leading to these potential improvements.

Neuropsychological assessment, intervention, and best practices for women with non-Central nervous system cancer: A scoping review of current standards

Objective: Existing literature has sought to characterize the broad cognitive impact of non-central nervous system cancer and its treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and hormonal regulation. However, despite the frequency of women that are diagnosed with breast and gynecological cancer, there is limited research on the specific cognitive experiences of women undergoing cancer treatment. Presently, the current literature lacks concise guidance for neuropsychologists to support the cognitive health of women facing cancer, despite the acknowledged impact of cancer interventions and chronic illness on cognitive outcomes. Method: Applying scoping review criteria outlined by Peters et al. (2015) and adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive examination of literature spanning multiple databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, PsychINFO) with a focus on the cognitive impact of cancer treatment on women. Conclusions: Women are subject to unique treatment-related outcomes due to the impact of hormonal alterations, differences in metabolization of certain chemotherapies, and psychosocial risk factors. Despite the known impact of cancer intervention, chronic illness, and cancer-related sequelae on cognitive outcomes, the current literature does not parsimoniously outline best practices for neuropsychologists to promote the health of women experiencing cancer. The current paper (1) provides an overview of the cognitive implications of cancer treatment with an intentional focus on cancers that are more prevalent in women versus men, (2) addresses the characteristics of this impact for women undergoing cancer intervention(s), and (3) provides possible intervention and treatment strategies for mental health providers and neuropsychologists.