Neuropsychological test performance and self-reported cognitive functioning associated with work-related outcomes in occupationally active cancer survivors with cognitive complaints

Purpose: To assess cognitive functioning in occupationally active non-central nervous system cancer survivors with cognitive complaints using neuropsychological tests, and to investigate the association between (1) formally assessed cognitive functioning and self-reported work-related outcomes and (2) self-reported cognitive functioning at work and self-reported work-related outcomes. 

Methods: Baseline data of a multicenter, randomized controlled trial (n = 279) were used. Associations between neuropsychological test performance (Amsterdam Cognition Scan) and self-reported cognitive functioning (Cognitive Symptom Checklist-work) with work ability (Work Ability Index) and work functioning (Work Role Functioning Questionnaire) were examined using multivariate linear regression. 

Results: Thirty percent of cancer survivors had lower than expected performance on neuropsychological tests. Higher overall neuropsychological test performance was associated with better work ability (Cohen’s f² = 0.014) and physical functioning at work (Cohen’s f² = 0.13). Furthermore, higher motor performance was associated with better work ability (Cohen’s f² = 0.018). In addition, self-reported work-related cognitive complaints were associated with self-reported work-related outcomes (Cohen’s f² = 0.13–0.35). 

Conclusions: The percentage of cancer survivors with lower than expected performance on neuropsychological tests exceeded the percentage expected in a normal population. This neuropsychological test performance was weakly associated with various aspects of work ability and work functioning. Stronger associations were found between self-reported cognitive functioning at work with self-reported work-related outcomes. Implications for cancer survivors. A cognitive rehabilitation approach that specifically aims at reducing cognitive symptoms at work could be a valuable part of interventions that aim to improve work-related outcomes. 

Trial registration: The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03900806) at 03 April 2019 (current status: ongoing), https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03900806?term=NCT03900806&draw=2&rank=1