Trajectories of Cognitive Symptoms in Sick-Listed Cancer Survivors

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The effects of cognitive symptoms on the ability to work are of major concern for cancer survivors. The aim of our study was to explore trajectories of cognitive functioning in sick-listed cancer survivors with work capacity. We found that cognitive functioning improved between two and four years after first day of sick leave, although cognitive symptoms remained of clinical concern in cancer survivors who are non-durable work-disabled (partly or fully). This underlines the importance to provide partly and fully, non-durable work disabled cancer survivors with evidence-based treatment options for their self-perceived cognitive symptoms. ABSTRACT: Many non-central nervous system (CNS) cancer survivors experience cognitive symptoms, which may affect their self-perceived work ability. Little is known about trajectories of self-perceived cognitive functioning in cancer survivors in the period after work disability assessment. Therefore, we evaluated: (1) trajectories of self-reported cognitive functioning, in cancer survivors with work capacity, (2) differences in trajectories of self-reported cognitive functioning between three work disability groups, and (3) explanatory factors of trajectories of self-reported cognitive functioning. Participants (n = 206) were assessed on self-reported cognitive functioning at three time points between two and four years after first day of sick leave. A statistically significant improvement in cognitive functioning was found in the total group (β = 4.62, SE = 0.91, p < 0.001). When comparing cancer survivors in different work disability groups, similar trajectories of cognitive functioning were observed. Fatigue was the only factor found to be associated with the reported trajectory (β = −0.23, SE = 0.086, p = 0.08). Self-perceived cognitive functioning scores remained considerably lower than the mean score of the general Dutch population, indicating that cognitive symptoms are a persistent problem in sick-listed cancer survivors and that evidence-based treatment options are warranted.