Abstract P6-09-01: Investigating the effectiveness of a psycho-educational behavioral intervention for cancer-related cognitive dysfunction in women with breast and gynecological cancer: Knowledge, self-efficacy, and behavioral change.

Background: Approximately one third of individuals receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer experience cancer-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD). CRCD significantly impacts quality of life, employment, and social relationships, and can hinder ability to return to pre-cancer activities. The cause is likely multi-factorial, and currently no medical treatment exists. The Cancer Survivorship Program at Princess Margaret Hospital provides a behavioral-intervention for patients with CRCD. The single, one-on-one, hour long session provides information and compensatory strategies to improve knowledge, self-management skills, and decrease the impact of cognitive dysfunction on daily life. Methods: A mixed-method study assessed patient perceptions. Eligible women had been or were currently being treated for a diagnosis of breast or gynecological cancer and were English speakers. Likert-scale based questionnaires were administered immediately before, immediately after, and 6 weeks post-intervention. Six parameters were evaluated quantitatively: i) program delivery, ii) perception of knowledge, iii) distress, iv) self-efficacy, v) behavior change, and vi) behavioral change effectiveness. Ten individuals also participated in qualitative, semi-structured audio-recorded interviews 1–6 weeks post questionnaire completion. Responses were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Results: 72 female cancer survivors (61 breast; 11 gynecological; mean age 51.3) completed questionnaires. Immediately post-intervention, patients reported significant increases in perception of knowledge, self-efficacy, and decreases in CRCD-related distress, and these improvements were maintained at 6 week follow up (p Conclusions: A one-hour, psycho-educational behavioral intervention can be effective for breast and gynecological cancer patients suffering from CRCD. Benefits can last at least 6 weeks. Results suggest a need for better intervention integration with oncology appointments, a follow-up session to help individuals assimilate CRCD information, and increased session personalization to address individual difficulties and job concerns. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-09-01.