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Psychosocial experiences regarding potential fertility loss and pregnancy failure after treatment in cancer survivors of reproductive age to identify psychosocial care needs: a systematic review

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Abstract

Purpose

The challenges of fertility loss owing to cancer treatment persist long after treatment. However, psychosocial care for fertility among cancer survivors who have completed cancer treatment is insufficient. This systematic review examined psychosocial experiences related to the potential loss of fertility and unsuccessful pregnancy after treatment in cancer survivors of reproductive age to identify psychosocial care needs.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using the online databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Ichushi-Web between August and December 2022 to identify studies that addressed psychosocial experiences after fertility loss or failure to conceive among young cancer survivors. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Results

Forty studies were included, revealing psychosocial experiences across five categories: subjective fear of (potential) fertility loss, impact on romantic relationships, alternative methods for family building, reliance on social support, and specialized care. Only one study addressed the psychosocial aspects after complete loss of fertility in young cancer survivors.

Conclusions

The possibility and uncertainty of fertility loss led to stress and depression, loss of identity, decreased opportunities to meet a new partner, and damaged relationships established before diagnosis. The needs encompass fertility preservation, sexuality, approaches to building a family, partner communication, and other diverse needs.

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Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Funding

This study was supported by a Health Labour Sciences Research Grant from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (grant number 20EA1004).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 3-29-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan

    Kanako Yoshida

  2. Division of Integrated Medicine, IVF Namba Clinic, 1-17-28 Minamihorie Nishi-Ku, Osaka, Japan

    Tomoko Hashimoto

  3. International Center for Reproductive Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, 2-1-50 Minamikoshigaya, Koshigaya, Saitama, Japan

    Tomoe Koizumi

  4. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-Ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan

    Nao Suzuki

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  1. Kanako Yoshida
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  4. Nao Suzuki
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception. Literature search and data analysis were performed by KY, TH, and TK. The first draft of the manuscript was written by KY, and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Kanako Yoshida.

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Implications for cancer survivors

It is natural to experience stress after the loss of fertility owing to cancer. No established care has yet been developed, and future research should clarify this issue. Cancer survivors may need to express themselves based on their diverse needs.

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Yoshida, K., Hashimoto, T., Koizumi, T. et al. Psychosocial experiences regarding potential fertility loss and pregnancy failure after treatment in cancer survivors of reproductive age to identify psychosocial care needs: a systematic review. Support Care Cancer 32, 337 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-024-08544-w

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