Prevalence of self-reported memory problems in adult cancer survivors: A national cross-sectional study Journal Article


Authors: Jean-Pierre, P.; Winters, P. C.; Ahles, T. A.; Antoni, M.; Armstrong, F. D.; Penedo, F.; Lipshultz, S. E.; Miller, T. L.; Fiscella, K.
Article Title: Prevalence of self-reported memory problems in adult cancer survivors: A national cross-sectional study
Abstract: Purpose: Cancer and its treatments can impair cognitive function, especially memory, leading to diminished quality of life. Prevalence studies of cancer treatment-related memory impairment have not been conducted in the adult-onset cancer population. Methods: To determine the prevalence of self-reported memory (SRM) problems in people with and without a history of cancer, we analyzed data from a large, nationally representative sample of the civilian, noninstitutionalized US population. Participants answered the yes-or-no question, "Are you limited in any way because of difficulty remembering or because you experience periods of confusion?" Age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, poverty, and general health were controlled. Results: The sample (N = 9,819) consisted of 4,862 men and 4,957 women age 40 years and older. There were 1,938 blacks, 5,552 whites, 1,998 Hispanics, and 331 participants categorized as other race/multiracial. Of these, 1,305 reported a history of cancer; 8,514 did not. Memory problems were self-reported more often by participants with a history of cancer (14%) than by those without (8%). Having had cancer was independently associated with SRM impairment (adjusted odds ratio, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.83). Other predictors of memory impairment were age, lower education, lower income, and poorer general health (P < .01 for all). Participants with cancer had a 40% greater likelihood of reporting memory problems relative to those without cancer. Conclusion: Cancer history independently predicted SRM impairment. Prevalence of SRM impairment in people with a history of cancer/cancer treatment is substantial and increasing. Health care providers should assess and be ready to treat memory impairment in patients with a history of cancer. Copyright © 2011 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Keywords: adult; aged; major clinical study; neoplasm; prevalence; age; cancer survivor; self report; cross-sectional study; memory disorder; educational status; income; caucasian; negro; hispanic
Journal Title: Journal of Oncology Practice
Volume: 8
Issue: 1
ISSN: 1554-7477
Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology  
Date Published: 2012-01-01
Start Page: 30
End Page: 34
Language: English
DOI: 10.1200/jop.2011.000231
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC3266313
PUBMED: 22548008
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Export Date: 1 August 2012" - "Source: Scopus"
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  1. Tim A Ahles
    183 Ahles