Symptom Experience of Cancer-related Cognitive Impairment in Women with Ovarian Cancer

Abstract Purpose: To explore ovarian cancer survivors’ symptom experience of cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eligible ovarian cancer patients in Cancer Center of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. This study was guided by symptom management theory. Qualitative content analysis and thematic framework analysis were used to refine themes.Results: The average age of participants (n=34) was 51.38 years （range 25-65 years）and median time since diagnosis was one year（range 0.2-42.8 years）.Three themes and nine subthemes were identified from the research. For perception of cognitive changes: Become stupid, not as smart as before; not noticing/ having the chance to notice any cognitive change. Possible influence events in the evaluation of CRCI: comfortable, monotonous, isolation and narrow-focused life cause the brain to "retire”; surgical anesthesia, chemotherapy as well as fatigue, sleep disorders and anxiety were also blamed for the change. For the impact of CRCI in the evaluation of cognitive changes: it was not an issue for most participants and they didn’t particularly care, only a few said that their self-confidence was affected a little. For responses to cognitive decline: Trying not burden brain, actively or passively let themselves “slow down" or "offload" things. Personalized and repeated "note", "check" and "confirm" measures to prevent mistakesConclusion: The majority of ovarian cancer patients experienced symptoms of CRCI, highlighted by memory and attention problems, however most patients stated that cognitive symptoms didn’t affect their lives. Sociocultural and cancer copying style played an important role in the CRCI symptom experience.