Cognitive changes after breast cancer: a scoping review to identify problems encountered by women when returning to work.

Breast cancer survivors can experience challenges in their employment due to cognitive deficits, which may lead to the loss of their employment. Health professionals need to explore breast cancer survivors work role and consider appropriate referrals to ensure women receive the necessary support and rehabilitation to address cognitive problems impacting work performance. Further research is needed to develop workplace-based cognitive assessments and interventions to improve the work performance and participation of women with breast cancer experiencing cognitive deficits.Implications for RehabilitationWork participation can be negatively impacted by unacknowledged cognitive changes that are not assessed and managed throughout the cancer survivorship journey.Health professionals in health care systems, particularly occupational therapists need to consider appropriate referrals to workplace rehabilitation providers to ensure necessary support and rehabilitation to address cognitive problems impacting on work performance.Occupational therapists performing workplace assessments for women with breast cancer, should assesses cognitive function in accordance with the cognitive demands of the job and work environment, and involve the employer and client in workplace based cognitive interventions.