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You may be finding that your memory and ability to concentrate has been affected since having treatment for cancer.

This is commonly called 'chemo brain', but it can occur after different types of treatment for cancer.

Here is information to help you to find out more about cognitive changes after a cancer diagnosis and how to manage them.

What are cognitive changes?

Some people notice that they are more forgetful or have trouble concentrating or making decisions after treatment for cancer.

Recent research has shown that it may result more from the stress of diagnosis and treatment than from the treatment itself.

Symptoms may include:

• difficulty multitasking or concentrating on single tasks
• poor short-term memory
• short attention span
• feeling tired
• feeling confused
• difficulty finding the right word when talking or writing
• difficulty completing everyday tasks
• finding it hard to learn new skills
• feeling more disorganised than usual.

Alongside stress, fluctuating hormone levels and some medication taken during treatment can directly affect your thinking and make you feel sluggish. Other causes can be being dehydrated or sleep deprived, poor nutrition, depression or fatigue (tiredness). 

For most people, this mental fogginess wears off soon after treatment. Some people find it lingers for months afterward. In a few cases, the fogginess can be longstanding.

How can I manage confusion and memory loss

There is no specific treatment for cognitive changes. However, there are management strategies that you can use to make things feel easier.

There are also other side effects from treatment that can add to its symptoms, and they can be treated. These include anaemia, hormone changes, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), depression and stress.

If you are experiencing cognitive changes and difficulties with your memory and concentration:

• talk to your healthcare team about any concerns you have. It may help to write down the effects these cognitive changes have on your daily life to help you to explain the symptoms to your doctor or specialist nurse at the appointment
• speak to a cancer support specialist at Maggie's to find out about our programme of support, which includes workshops and courses that may help
• consider introducing exercise or physical activity into your lifestyle. Exercise can reduce stress, fatigue and depression. Recent research showed exercise to help improve memory in women treated for breast cancer
• drink plenty of water, unless your doctor has advised you to limit your fluid intake. Even mild dehydration has been shown to affect memory and concentration, so it is important to stay hydrated
  
• track and try to identify patterns of when you feel ‘foggy’. Is it when you are tired, hungry, rushed or when there is lots of noise or activity around you?  You can make changes or plan around these times if you need to focus on something
• use memory aids, such as notes, lists and phone alarms for reminders. Keep important things like keys in the same place each day. Ask friends to follow up conversations with a text to remind you of things you have said you will do
• try brain training exercises, such as crossword/sudoku puzzles, as this may help increase connections in the brain
• aim to get enough sleep, as this will help you to feel stronger, both emotionally and physically
• consider your nutrition and aim to eat healthily, as this can improve mood and fatigue and keep blood sugar levels stable, all of which can help improve memory and concentration. Let your healthcare team know if you are planning to take any vitamins or supplements as some can interfere with your treatment
• reduce stress where you can and do some things you enjoy. Relaxation techniques such as meditation and mindfulness can also be helpful
• consider complementary therapies such as herbal medicine and acupuncture, which can be helpful in reducing stress and boosting memory and concentration
• be honest: let friends and family know that you are having more difficulty thinking and remembering things than usual. Say that it is likely to be temporary but that you would appreciate their help in the meantime
• keep things manageable: pace yourself, try not to multitask, focus on the task in hand and and simplify things where you can
• be kind to yourself: try not to dwell on the ‘fogginess’. Remind yourself this is temporary and that you are doing the best you can

When to seek further help

For most people experiencing problems with memory and concentration, the changes will be temporary and the strategies above will help you manage your symptoms.

If you’re finding that the fogginess is causing you anxiety, affecting  your ability to carry out essential tasks or has continued for longer than expected, then do let your healthcare team know. Speaking with your GP, hospital doctor, specialist nurse can help.

You can discuss your symptoms and find out more about support available for you at Maggie's.

What now?

• 51É«APP your nearest Maggie51É«APP™s centre. Just come in to learn more about the support during and after treatment that can help you.
• Have a look at the links on this page to find out more about coping with problems with memory and concentration during and after treatment for cancer.
• Talk with others about what you are experiencing. It can help to hear that what you’re feeling is not unusual, and help you to feel less alone. 

Last review: May 2026 | Next review: May 2029