Exploratory analysis shows improved cognitive function and reduced anxiety in breast cancer survivors after auditory training.
Objective This exploratory analysis examines the effect of a neuroplasticity-based auditory cognitive training program on self-reported cognitive function and psychosocial outcomes in breast cancer survivors. While prior research on cancer-related cognitive deficits (CRCD) has focused on objective neuropsychological change, this study investigates how participants perceive changes in cognitive performance, anxiety, and quality of life following computerized cognitive training. Method A subgroup of eight female breast cancer survivors (mean age = 48.13, SD = 9.73) who had completed adjuvant chemotherapy were randomized to either a 13-week computerized auditory training intervention (n = 5) or a non-active control group (n = 3). Participants completed validated self-report measures before and after the training period, including the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Cognitive Self-Report Questionnaire (CSRQ), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General Scale (FACT-G). Group differences in change scores were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests. Results Compared to controls, participants in the training group reported significantly greater improvements on the FACT-Cog Mental Acuity and Perceived Cognitive Abilities subscales (both p = .036, r = .79–.80). Additional moderate-to-large effects were observed in anxiety reduction (BAI, r = –.60) and perceived cognitive and emotional functioning (CSRQ and FACT-G domains). Conclusion Participants who completed auditory-based cognitive training reported perceived cognitive gains and psychosocial benefits. These findings highlight the importance of subjective outcome measures in understanding patient experiences of cognitive interventions during cancer recovery.
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Zaballos et al. (2025) studied this question.
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