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Loughborough University Scientist to help breast cancer patients return to work

Posted on 30/12/2008

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Loughborough University Scientist to help breast cancer patients return to work

A Loughborough University scientist has received a pilot grant from one of the UK’s leading breast cancer research charities, Breast Cancer Campaign, to explore the long term side effects of chemotherapy on women with breast cancer.

The £11,000 grant, the first ever awarded to Loughborough University by the charity, forms part of £2.3 million awarded to 20 projects around the UK and will fill one of the research gaps identified by the country’s top breast cancer experts in a recent study carried out by the charity.

While chemotherapy is a very effective way to treat breast cancer, it has some serious side effects, such as loss of concentration and short-term memory loss known as ‘chemobrain’. Currently very little information exists about the side effects of chemotherapy and the support needed to help women return to and manage work.

Dr Munir, who is based in the University’s Department of Human Sciences, will survey 40 women who have completed their chemotherapy and returned to work to find out whether the side effects from their treatment have affected their ability to do their job, and what information and support would have made their return to work easier.

Dr Munir said: “The aim of this project is to help women with breast cancer learn to deal with these side effects which will ultimately improve their quality of life and make their working lives easier.”

Pamela Goldberg, Chief Executive, Breast Cancer Campaign said: “Although women are living longer with the improved breast cancer treatments available, debilitating side effects can hamper their return to work. We hope this study will benefit women in the future and make returning to work less stressful.”