Can breast cancer surgery cause memory loss?

Question

Hello doctor,

My aunt, aged 54, just finished surgery for early-stage breast cancer a few weeks ago. She is getting ready for radiation soon, but I have noticed she has been really forgetful lately, she even left the stove on twice this week, which is very unlike her. Could it be due to the stress of everything she has been through, or possibly a side effect of the anesthesia? Should we mention it to her oncologist, or is it too unrelated to bring up?

Also, she is worried about scarring and is looking for creams that might help. Could you suggest something safe? Lastly, should we ask the oncologist about getting scans to check whether the cancer has spread, even though they said it was removed?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your aunt’s forgetfulness could have several possible causes, and it is important to let her oncologist know about it. Some people experience memory issues after surgery, especially due to anesthesia. This is known as post-surgery brain fog, and it usually improves over weeks to months. Stress can also play a role. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be overwhelming, and stress can affect memory and focus.

Even if she has not undergone chemotherapy yet, pre-surgery hormone therapy or general stress can contribute to memory problems. Many breast cancer patients struggle with sleep due to hormonal changes, pain, or anxiety, which can also impact memory and concentration. If she is taking painkillers, anti-nausea medications, or hormone therapy like Tamoxifen, these can sometimes cause cognitive issues such as confusion, memory loss, or difficulty focusing.

Here are a few steps her caregiver can take:

Track how often forgetfulness occurs.
Check for other symptoms, like confusion, mood changes, or difficulty finding words.
Inform her oncologist about the symptoms.
Encourage good sleep, hydration, and light brain exercises like reading or doing puzzles.

I hope this information helps.

Thank you.