Experiences and coping strategies among cancer patients with cancer-related cognitive impairment treated with chemotherapy: a mixed-methods systematic review

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a common, distressing symptom among cancer patients, particularly those undergoing or having completed chemotherapy. Our study seeks to understand the experiences and needs of cancer patients with CRCI, the coping strategies that they adopt, and the perceived effectiveness of these strategies. CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, MEDLINE, PubMed, CNKI, and Wanfang Data were systematically searched. Eligible studies were published from November 2015 to October 2025. This review encompassed studies utilizing quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods approaches. To evaluate the methodological rigor of the selected literature, we utilized the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A results-based convergent synthesis was used to synthesize the data.were published from November 2015 to October 2025. This review encompassed studies utilizing quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods approaches. To evaluate the methodological rigor of the selected literature, we utilized the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A results-based convergent synthesis was used to synthesize the data. Ultimately, 21 eligible studies satisfied the selection criteria. CRCI mainly manifested as memory deterioration, poor concentration, and declining executive function. It seriously affected cancer patients’ daily life, work, social interactions, and emotional status. Patients reported needs in several areas, including relevant information, supportive care, and peer support. Their coping strategies included the use of tools, self-regulation, task adjustment, lifestyle optimization, and seeking social support. While some strategies were perceived as effective, the “powering through” strategy was reported as ineffective. The effects of strategies varied among individuals.powering through” strategy was reported as ineffective. The effects of strategies varied among individuals. CRCI severely affects multiple aspects of cancer patients’ lives. A multitude of coping strategies was utilized by patients with cancer.While patients report subjectively accommodating their symptoms through various coping strategies, these reported benefits largely reflect subjective patient perceptions rather than empirically proven intervention effects.The findings provide a comprehensive evidence base for developing individualized nursing interventions to support cancer patients with CRCI. Subsequent investigations need to address the CRCI experiences and coping strategies of patients from different cultural backgrounds to develop culturally adapted nursing interventions.A multitude of coping strategies was utilized by patients with cancer.While patients report subjectively accommodating their symptoms through various coping strategies, these reported benefits largely reflect subjective patient perceptions rather than empirically proven intervention effects.The findings provide a comprehensive evidence base for developing individualized nursing interventions to support cancer patients with CRCI. Subsequent investigations need to address the CRCI experiences and coping strategies of patients from different cultural backgrounds to develop culturally adapted nursing interventions.