How does breast cancer affect cognition and occupational performance?

by Ann Marie Potter, MA, OTR/L

Faculty member Ann Marie Potter, MA, OTR/L presented a workshop on Breast Cancer and Cognition to the Occupational Therapy staff at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, part of Christiana Care, in Newark, DE on 8/11/2016. The presentation was coordinated by staff therapist and Etown alum Sarah Fronczkowski, MS, OTR/L, CLT (’08).  The group learned about the etiology of cancer-related cognitive impairments and how changes in cognition result for a constellation of factors beyond chemotherapy alone.  The impact of these cognitive impairments on daily functioning is a very troublesome side effect for cancer survivors.  Because OT is designated as a first line intervention for cancer related cognitive impairment by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the role of OT in assessment and treatment of these impairments was discussed.  Ann Marie Potter is currently conducting research on the impact of breast cancer treatment on cognition and breast cancer.