Cancer linked to mental problems
- From: "Roman Bystrianyk" <rbystrianyk@xxxxxxxxx>
- Date: 31 May 2005 18:00:04 -0700
"Cancer linked to mental problems", BBC News, May 31, 2005,
Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/medical_notes/4596029.stm
Cancer survivors may be at risk of problems with mental abilities such
as memory and learning, research suggests.
It found those who had undergone cancer treatment were twice as likely
to develop cognitive problems than people who had never been treated
for cancer.
The University of Southern California team say it is possible
chemotherapy damage may be to blame, but stress more research is
needed.
The study features in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
The possibility that cancer, and its treatment, may be linked to
cognitive dysfunction has been raised by previous studies.
But these concentrated on the short term impact of cancer - the latest
study examined the longer-term effect.
It focused on 702 people who had survived following cancer treatment,
and their cancer-free twins.
About 15% of the cancer survivors showed signs of cognitive
dysfunction.
Worse over time
The researchers said the findings raised the possibility that cognitive
problems among cancer survivors got worse over time.
They argued that comparing cancer survivors with their cancer-free
twins means the increased dysfunction cannot be attributed to the
normal aging process.
The study does not suggest a cause for the cognitive problems in cancer
survivors.
The researchers say it is possible chemotherapy or other cancer
treatments may cause long-term damage.
However, it is also possible that the cognitive impairment was present
before treatment began.
The researchers also accept that factors such as alcohol consumption
and a sedentary lifestyle, which increase the risk of cancer, also
increase the risk of cognitive decline.
They plan a follow-up study comparing survivors who received different
treatments.
Researcher Professor Margaret Gatz said: "Those with cancer might also
be advised to have their cognition monitored as part of long-term
follow-up."
Caution urged
In an editorial in the same journal, experts from the University of
Texas say there is some evidence that cancer patients experience a
short-term effect on cognitive function.
But they say there is little firm evidence that patients are at
long-term risk of developing problems.
Professor Lesley Fallowfield, of Cancer Research UK, said: "Although
this is an interesting study, the accompanying editorial does urge a
cautious interpretation of the results.
"It's worth remembering that we are all at risk of dementia as we age,
and the actual increase in risk is fairly small.
"Around 15 per 100 cancer survivors suffered dementia compared with
nine per 100 non-cancer twins.
"This is certainly not a reason for cancer patients to panic and refuse
treatment.
"Research into the way in which some treatments might impair
intellectual activity is still at an early stage."
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