Evaluation of Cognitive Education Activities in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer types worldwide and accounts for approximately 31% of all cancers in women. The global incidence of breast cancer is increasing, making it a significant public health problem. Advances in breast cancer management, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy, have contributed to reduced mortality rates. However, despite these positive developments, chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment, commonly referred to as "chemobrain," may occur. Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment may manifest as deficits in memory, learning, attention, motor functions, executive functions, visual-spatial abilities, and information processing speed. These impairments negatively affect patients' quality of life and daily functioning. In this study, cognitive education activities were designed and implemented to address these impairments. These activities aimed to support attention, memory, and executive functions and to minimize cognitive deficits. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of cognitive activities applied to breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy on cognitive functions, depression levels, and odor recognition abilities. The study sought to answer the following research questions: 1. What is the effect of cognitive education activities on odor recognition ability in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy? 2. What is the effect of cognitive education activities on cognitive functions in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy? 3. What is the effect of cognitive education activities on depression levels in these patients?

Sex

All

Minimum age

18 Years

Maximum age

65 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants were eligible if they met all of the following criteria:

* Aged between 18 and 65 years
* Literate
* Diagnosed with breast cancer
* Had received at least one cycle of chemotherapy and were currently undergoing chemotherapy
* Had a Standardized Mini-Mental Test (SMMT) score of 24 or below
* Had no diagnosed cognitive, neurological, or psychiatric disorder prior to chemotherapy

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants were excluded if they met any of the following criteria:

* Age over 65 years
* SMMT score above 24
* Presence of brain metastases
* Presence of neurological or medical conditions affecting cognitive function
* Diagnosed psychiatric disorder
* Current use of central nervous system depressants, stimulants, or psychiatric medications
* History of alcohol or substance abuse

Withdrawal Criteria:

Participants were withdrawn from the study if any of the following occurred:

* Discontinuation of chemotherapy treatment
* Inability to attend follow-up visits regularly
* Failure to complete the cognitive activity booklet tasks
* Loss of contact or inability to reach the participant
* Voluntary withdrawal from the study
* Death during the study period