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Losing sleep over breast cancer treatment

Published: 1 August 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 from the School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine will compare 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.

The study will compare three groups of women who have gone through menopause -- a group of women who have been treated for breast cancer and completed all treatment, a group who have been treated for breast cancer and are taking tamoxifen, 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 40+ are needed to participate in the study and volunteers are sought for each of the following 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 were diagnosed with early breast cancer more than 6 years ago and who are currently taking Tamoxifen; 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.

Recruitment for the study will continue until mid August 2007.

If you would like more information on the study, please contact Pamela Williams or Jon-Paul Cacioli on 9903 1175 or 0434 822048.