18 May 2007
Monash University researchers are keen to find out if breast cancer treatments cause long term side effects such as loss of sleep or cognitive problems like memory loss and concentration.
A study by experts from the School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine will compare two groups of women to see if these side effects are a direct result of the treatment, or a response to menopause, which usually follows breast cancer treatment.
Fourth year student Pamela Williams says in the majority of pre-menopausal women who undergo treatment for breast cancer, menopause is either medically or surgically induced.
"Symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flushes and sleep loss typically begin to manifest in women aged 40 to 55 years, but can be quite severe in women who have undergone cancer treatment," Ms Williams said.
The study will compare two groups of women who have gone through menopause -- a group of women who have been treated for breast cancer and a group who have not had a diagnosis of breast cancer.
The study will also examine whether there are any apparent differences between the groups in a range of cognitive functions including memory, verbal learning, visual-motor co-ordination, visual-spatial ability and memory, and word association skills.
Menopausal women aged between 40 and 55 are needed to participate in the study and volunteers are sought for each of the two groups:
- Women who were diagnosed with early breast cancer more than 6 years ago and who completed all treatment (including hormone treatment) 1-4 years ago; or
- Women who have no significant chronic illness.
Participants will be required to keep a simple sleep diary, complete a number of questionnaires and undergo some simple paper and pen tests.
If you would like more information on the study, please contact Pamela Williams or Jon-Paul Cacioli on 9903 1175 or 0434 822048
Media enquiries can be directed to Ms Samantha Blair, Media and Communications, +61 3 9905 9315.
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