Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

The fertility-related concerns, needs and preferences of younger women with breast cancer: a systematic review

  • Review
  • Published:
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in reproductive aged women. Adjuvant systemic therapy is recommended in most women and has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of recurrence and increase survival. However, there may be a negative impact of adjuvant systemic therapy on fertility as well as on subsequent quality of life. There are a number of fertility preservation options currently available and relevant information regarding these options should be provided prior to commencing adjuvant treatment. The aim of the review is to identify the fertility-related needs, concerns and preferences of young women with early breast cancer. The databases MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from 1988 onwards using keywords, and examining reference lists. Of the 499 articles identified, 20 met eligibility criteria and were reviewed. Multiple fertility-related information needs specific to this group regarding menstrual changes and potential infertility attitudes to, and actual decisions made regarding, pregnancy breastfeeding and contraception emerged. Information on fertility-related decisions was rated as important, and the preferred methods for obtaining this information was consultation with a specialist or a decision aid early in the treatment plan. There is limited research about fertility-related needs, and even less on contraceptive preferences and the attitudes of health care providers towards fertility-related issues. No studies describing the development of tools to assist with decisions about fertility-related choices were identified. Young women with early breast cancer have specific fertility- and menopause-related needs and concerns, which are commonly not adequately addressed or discussed prior to commencing adjuvant therapy.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (2000) Births, Australia 1999. Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra

    Google Scholar 

  2. Avis NE, Crawford S, Manuel J (2004) Psychosocial problems among younger women with breast cancer. Psychooncology 13:295–308. doi:10.1002/pon.744

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Bloom JR, Stewart SL, Chang S et al (2004) Then and now: quality of life of young breast cancer survivors. Psychooncology 13:147–160. doi:10.1002/pon.794

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Duffy CM, Allen SM, Clark MA (2005) Discussions regarding reproductive health for young women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. J Clin Oncol 23:766–773. doi:10.1200/JCO.2005.01.134

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Coyne E, Borbasi S (2006) Holding it all together: breast cancer and its impact on life for younger women. Contemp Nurse 23:157–169

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Ganz PA, Greendale GA, Petersen L et al (2003) Breast cancer in younger women: reproductive and late health effects of treatment. J Clin Oncol 21:4184–4193. doi:10.1200/JCO.2003.04.196

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Thewes B, Meiser B, Rickard J et al (2003) The fertility- and menopause-related information needs of younger women with a diagnosis of breast cancer: a qualitative study. Psychooncology 12:500–511. doi:10.1002/pon.685

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Connell S, Patterson C, Newman B (2006) A qualitative analysis of reproductive issues raised by young Australian women with breast cancer. Health Care Women Int 27:94–110. doi:10.1080/07399330500377580

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Singer D, Hunter M (1999) The experience of premature menopause: a thematic discourse analysis. J Reprod Infant Psychol 17:63–81. doi:10.1080/02646839908404585

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Partridge AH, Gelber S, Peppercorn J et al (2004) Web-based survey of fertility issues in young women with breast cancer. J Clin Oncol 22:4174–4183. doi:10.1200/JCO.2004.01.159

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Thewes B, Meiser B, Taylor A et al (2005) Fertility- and menopause-related information needs of younger women with a diagnosis of early breast cancer. J Clin Oncol 23:5155–5165. doi:10.1200/JCO.2005.07.773

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Dunn J, Steginga SK (2000) Young women’s experience of breast cancer: defining young and identifying concerns. Psychooncology 9:137–146. doi:10.1002/(SICI)1099-1611(200003/04)9:2<137::AID-PON442>3.0.CO;2-0

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Knobf MT (2001) The menopausal symptom experience in young mid-life women with breast cancer. Cancer Nurs 24:201–210. doi:10.1097/00002820-200106000-00008 quiz 210-1

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Mor V, Malin M, Allen S (1994) Age differences in the psychosocial problems encountered by breast cancer patients. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 16:191–197

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Trief PM, Donohue-Smith M (1996) Counseling needs of women with breast cancer: what the women tell us. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 34:24–29

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Baker F, Denniston M, Smith T et al (2005) Adult cancer survivors: how are they faring? Cancer 104:2565–2576. doi:10.1002/cncr.21488

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Bakewell RT, Volker DL (2005) Sexual dysfunction related to the treatment of young women with breast cancer. Clin J Oncol Nurs 9:697–702. doi:10.1188/05.CJON.697-702

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Shannon C, Smith IE (2003) Breast cancer in adolescents and young women. Eur J Cancer 39:2632–2642. doi:10.1016/S0959-8049(03)00669-5

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Reichman BS, Green KB (1994) Breast cancer in young women: effect of chemotherapy on ovarian function, fertility, and birth defects. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 16:125–129

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Sonmezer M, Oktay K (2006) Fertility preservation in young women undergoing breast cancer therapy. Oncologist 11:422–434. doi:10.1634/theoncologist.11-5-422

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Dow KH, Kuhn D (2004) Fertility options in young breast cancer survivors: a review of the literature. Oncol Nurs Forum Online 31:E46–E53. doi:10.1188/04.ONF.E46-E53

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Lee SJ, Schover LR, Partridge AH et al (2006) American Society of Clinical Oncology recommendations on fertility preservation in cancer patients. J Clin Oncol 24:2917–2931. doi:10.1200/JCO.2006.06.5888

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Berglund G, Nystedt M, Bolund C et al (2001) Effect of endocrine treatment on sexuality in premenopausal breast cancer patients: a prospective randomized study. J Clin Oncol 19:2788–2796

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Schover LR (1994) Sexuality and body image in younger women with breast cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 16:177–182

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Rogers M, Kristjanson LJ (2002) The impact on sexual functioning of chemotherapy-induced menopause in women with breast cancer. Cancer Nurs 25:57–65. doi:10.1097/00002820-200202000-00011

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Kunkel EJ, Chen EI, Kunkel EJS et al (2003) Psychiatric aspects of women with breast cancer. Psychiatr Clin North Am 26:713–724. doi:10.1016/S0193-953X(03)00038-8

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Sammarco A (2001) Psychosocial stages and quality of life of women with breast cancer. Cancer Nurs 24:272–277. doi:10.1097/00002820-200108000-00005

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Thompson SC, Nanni C, Schwankovsky L (1990) Patient-oriented interventions to improve communication in a medical office visit. Health Psychol 9:390–404. doi:10.1037/0278-6133.9.4.390

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Fallowfield LJ, Baum M, Maguire GP (1986) Effects of breast conservation on psychological morbidity associated with diagnosis and treatment of early breast cancer. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 293:1331–1334

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Bruera E, Willey JS, Palmer JL et al (2002) Treatment decisions for breast carcinoma: patient preferences and physician perceptions. Cancer 94:2076–2080. doi:10.1002/cncr.10393

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Morris J, Ingham R (1988) Choice of surgery for early breast cancer: psychosocial considerations. Soc Sci Med 27:1257–1262. doi:10.1016/0277-9536(88)90355-3

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Wang X, Cosby LG, Harris MG et al (1999) Major concerns and needs of breast cancer patients. Cancer Nurs 22:157–163. doi:10.1097/00002820-199904000-00008

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Knobf MT (2006) The influence of endocrine effects of adjuvant therapy on quality of life outcomes in younger breast cancer survivors. Oncologist 11:96–110. doi:10.1634/theoncologist.11-2-96

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Grosser L (2003) Meeting the needs of younger women with breast cancer. Nurs Times 99:20–22

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Roche N (2006) Follow-up after treatment for breast cancer in young women. Breast 15:S71–S75. doi:10.1016/S0960-9776(07)70022-X

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Schover LR (2008) Premature ovarian failure and its consequences: vasomotor symptoms, sexuality, and fertility. J Clin Oncol 26:753–758. doi:10.1200/JCO.2007.14.1655

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Hwang SY, Park B-W (2006) The perceived care needs of breast cancer patients in Korea. Yonsei Med J 47:524–533

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Fallowfield L, McGurk R, Dixon M (2004) Same gain, less pain: potential patient preferences for adjuvant treatment in premenopausal women with early breast cancer. Eur J Cancer 40:2403–2410. doi:10.1016/j.ejca.2004.07.013

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Thewes B, Butow P, Girgis A et al (2004) The psychological needs of breast cancer survivors; a qualitative study of the shared and unique needs of younger versus older survivors. Psychooncology 13:177–189. doi:10.1002/pon.710

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Biglia N, Cozzarella M, Cacciari F et al (2003) Menopause after breast cancer: a survey on breast cancer survivors. Maturitas 45:29–38. doi:10.1016/S0378-5122(03)00087-2

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Ferrell BR, Grant M, Funk B et al (1996) Quality of life in breast cancer. Cancer Pract 4:331–340

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Saini R, Mulcahy V (2006) Multidisciplinary approach to meeting the information needs of women with breast cancer. J Int Med Sci Acad 19:72–74

    Google Scholar 

  43. Bloom JR, Kessler L (1994) Risk and timing of counseling and support interventions for younger women with breast cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 16:199–206

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Knobf MT (2002) Carrying on: the experience of premature menopause in women with early stage breast cancer. Nurs Res 51:9–17. doi:10.1097/00006199-200201000-00003

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Spencer SM, Lehman JM, Wynings C et al (1999) Concerns about breast cancer and relations to psychosocial well-being in a multiethnic sample of early-stage patients. Health Psychol 18:159–168. doi:10.1037/0278-6133.18.2.159

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Wilmoth MC (2001) The aftermath of breast cancer: an altered sexual self. Cancer Nurs 24:278–286. doi:10.1097/00002820-200108000-00006

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. McNaught J, Reid RL, SGJAHCoB Cancer et al (2006) Progesterone-only and non-hormonal contraception in the breast cancer survivor: Joint Review and Committee Opinion of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of Canada. J Obstet Gynaecol Can: JOGC 28:616–639

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Ms Ursula Sansom-Daly for reviewing this manuscript. This study was funded by a Project Grant from the Cancer Council of New South Wales (ID RG 06-13). Bettina Meiser is supported by a Career Development Award from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (ID 350989).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychosocial Research Group, Department of Medical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Level 3, Dickinson Building, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia

    Michelle Peate, Bettina Meiser & Michael Friedlander

  2. Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of NSW, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia

    Michelle Peate, Bettina Meiser & Michael Friedlander

  3. School of Women’s and Infants’ Health, King Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, 374 Bagot Road, Subiaco, WA, 6008, Australia

    Martha Hickey

Authors
  1. Michelle Peate
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Bettina Meiser
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Martha Hickey
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Michael Friedlander
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michelle Peate.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Peate, M., Meiser, B., Hickey, M. et al. The fertility-related concerns, needs and preferences of younger women with breast cancer: a systematic review. Breast Cancer Res Treat 116, 215–223 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-009-0401-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-009-0401-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation