Several factors contribute to cognitive issues in cancer patients. These include:
- Chemotherapy: Certain drugs used in chemotherapy can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect brain function. - Radiation Therapy: Radiation to the brain can damage neural tissue and lead to cognitive deficits. - Hormonal Therapy: Treatments that alter hormonal levels can also impact cognitive functions. - Cancer Itself: Tumors in or near the brain can directly interfere with cognitive abilities. - Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression, which are common among cancer patients, can further exacerbate cognitive problems.
