A 2007 survey of more than 470 cancer patients found that “cognitive impairment resulting from cancer treatment greatly diminishes quality of life for cancer patients-survivors, and has far-reaching implications for individuals and society.” The survey, conducted by the Hurricane Voices Breast Cancer Foundation, asked patients 11 questions about their experience with cancer treatment and changes in their ability to process information and perform tasks at work and at home.

“I now work 30 rather than 40 hours and struggle constantly to do even that much. I’m a software engineer and sometimes can’t put 2 thoughts together to solve the puzzles that are the main part of my job,” wrote one survey respondent.

Another wrote: “My forgetfulness and inability to come up with a word, etc., makes me feel I am aging faster that I should, and my family members and spouse are becoming condescending or patronizing to the woman who says-does stupid stuff or forgets that things have happened.”

To learn more about the survey and the Hurricane Voices Breast Cancer

Foundation, go to www.hurricanevoices.org.