UPDATE: We are currently analyzing our data. An abstract of our data has been accepted by the American Society of Clinical Oncology Survivorship meeting in Orlando, FL in February 2018. After that, we will be looking for further funding so that we may expand the survivors we can help. We will be looking for both breast cancer and gynocologic cancer survivors for the next phase of the study
Raised so far: $3,826.88
The Issue
Up to 83% of breast cancer survivors who received chemotherapy as part of their cancer treatment report difficulties with cognition after treatment. This chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment is also called "chemobrain." Common symptoms include an inability to multitask, word finding difficulties and problems with attention. Chemobrain can last a few months to many years. Chemobrain affects one's family, social and professional lives. Many women find they can no longer perform their jobs they way they could prior to life-saving chemotherapy. Some need to change from full-time to part-time work, take early retirement, or just quit working completely because it’s just too difficult with chemobrain.
The Goal
To increase the quality of life of breast cancer survivors currently suffering from chemobrain.
How to Achieve Goal
The most recent MRI research in this area has pinpointed brain regions that suffer after treatment with chemotherapy. Also, research published in April, 2015 characterize chemobrain as an inability to focus. Dr. Bennett's curriculum combines memory and attention training techniques to create a program tailored to women suffering from chemobrain that address these issues.
The Next Step
Dr. Bennett plans to conduct a small pilot project with 32 breast cancer survivors who report cognitive deficits since receiving life-saving chemotherapy. The results from this study will be used to obtain additional funding from large agencies, such as National Cancer Institute or National Institutes of Health, to continue research into chemobrain treatment.
What You Can Do
Funds need to be raised to pay for the small pilot project. Anything you can donate is greatly appreciated. All gifts are collected through the UNM Foundation and are tax-deductible. From there, the funds go directly to pay for this chemobrain pilot project.
Estimated Minimum Budget
| Total | $7,350.00 | |
| Purchase Neuropsychological Assessment Tools | $870.00 | |
| Administer Neuropsychological Assessments | 32 participants @ $100/participant | $3,200.00 |
| Curriculum Creation | $1,000.00 | |
| Run Program Groups | $1,000.00 | |
| Supplies | 32 participants @ $40/participant | $1,280.00 |
Any funds raised above the minimum budget will be used to help disseminate results at conferences and will go to larger chemobrain treatment studies in the future.
