Dr. Serena Wong Discusses Cognitive Dysfunction After Cancer

Oncologist Serena Wong, of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, wants to lets patients suffering from cognitive dysfunction, or chemobrain, know that they're not alone.

"It was actually in the 1980s when we were finding that in support groups, a lot of cancer survivors were talking about having trouble with memory, having trouble concentrating. and then people started sharing their experiences," she says. "We started realizing that this is something we needed to pay attention to."

In the 1990s, the scientific community really began studying the issue, she says.

Wong suggests patients be patient with themselves, allow extra time to complete multiple tasks, and understand that going through therapy takes a toll. "You're not going to bounce back immediately, and that can be a little bit frustrating," she says.

She also recommends staying active and exercising to help fatigue, energy and cognitive function.