Get Organized! Overcoming Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairments (CRCI) Through Organizational Self-Management

Cancer-related cognitive impairments (CRCI) is a term that is used to describe cognitive changes that happen during or after cancer treatment (Bolton & Isaacs, 2018). They can happen to anyone diagnosed with cancer, not just those receiving chemotherapy (Orszaghova et al., 2021). CRCI can affect memory, thinking, and executive functioning, resulting in problems related to problem solving, organization, and planning (Polo & Smith, 2017). Research has found that approximately 70% of cancer survivors experience CRCI effects during chemotherapy with a remaining 30% of individuals noting long-term cognitive effects post-treatment (Bolton & Isaacs, 2018). Both acute or chronic CRCI can lead to reduced independence and participation in daily activities resulting in an overall decrease in quality of life (QOL) (Bolton & Isaacs, 2018).