Maggie's to roll out course to help people with 'chemo brain'
A course to help people with ‘chemo brain’ is being rolled out across the UK by cancer support charity Maggie’s after successfully helping people in Scotland.
‘Chemo brain’ – or Cancer Related Cognitive Change (CRCC) – is experienced by some people who have had cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy but not solely, manifesting as issues with memory, attention, executive function (e.g. planning, organising), and the speed at which people process information.
For some people this ends after treatment, but for others this can be a continuing problem which stops them moving forward with their lives.
Maggie’s Lead Psychologist, Lesley Howells, said: Chemo brain - which can impact people who have never had chemo but had other cancer treatments - can be really debilitating. It can mean even simple everyday tasks such as reading a book can become difficult.
We have seen how powerful these courses can be in helping people overcome these issues and are delighted to be rolling this course out across the UK to help as many people as possible living with memory and brain function issues caused by cancer treatment.
Dealing with symptoms of 'chemo-fog'
Memory and Concentration Changes after Cancer Treatment (MCCCT) has been used in the eight Scottish Maggie’s centres since 2019 after being developed by psychologists in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde in partnership with Macmillan, Maggie’s, NHS Scotland, & NHS NES as part of the Transforming Care After Treatment programme in 2016/2017.
It is now to be rolled out to the 16 Maggie’s centres across England & Wales after being shown to be effective through a study by Andrea Joyce, Trainee Health Psychologist at Glasgow Caledonian University.
She discovered those who had taken the course in a Maggie's centre found it helpful in dealing with symptoms of ‘chemo-fog’, while coming together in a group at Maggie’s helped lessen feelings of isolation.
Andrea Joyce said: In a nutshell, everyone I spoke to found the group helpful.
They found that the knowledge provided and group format, where they could share with others experiencing similar things, addressed feelings of isolation post-treatment.
They also highlighted that CRCC impacted their sense of identity, particularly in the workplace, as some people could not return to their previous (sometimes high-level) role.
The Cognitive Rehabilitation Interventions (CRIs) mitigated this as it gave them a sense of empowerment.
Finally, things like coping strategies helped them to develop a cognitive and physical balance and accept that things have changed.
Dellasie's story
Dellasie (31) was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019.
Three years on, following treatment, Dellasie still suffers from fatigue, neuropathy and chemo brain.
She said: Chemo-brain is still something that affects me. In the last year there have been a few incidents where I have left the oven on and came back to find my house smelling of smoke. Sometimes when I’ve been asked a question, a few seconds later, I’ve forgotten what it is. I wasn’t like this before and it’s frustrating. I sometimes wish I could have my old self back, but I realise that probably won’t happen. I think this course would be very helpful.
How we can help
If you or someone you know is worried about the side effects of chemotherapy, we have expert staff in our centres available to help you.
- Find your nearest centre for support and information
- Call us on 0300 123 180
- Email us at enquiries@maggies.org