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Oncologists’ Confidence in Knowledge of Fertility Issues for Young Women with Cancer

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Abstract

We sought to identify factors associated with greater cancer-related fertility knowledge in a national survey of oncologists. We surveyed 344 oncologists from a sampling pool drawn randomly from the AMA Masterfile. We conducted multiple linear regression to determine the relationship between confidence in knowledge and oncologists’ characteristics. Respondents’ average age was 48.5, and 75.3% were male. The average confidence in knowledge summary score was 23.8 (SD 6.4, range 8–40). In multivariable regression, confidence was higher among oncologists with more information resources, a sense of responsibility to discuss fertility issues and among gynecologic oncologists vs. other oncology specialties. Physician age, gender, and practice setting were not associated with fertility-related knowledge. Oncologists lack confidence in their knowledge of fertility issues in young women with breast cancer. Increasing professional responsibility to discuss fertility and greater information access could improve the depth and breadth of education regarding fertility issues among oncologists and their young patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology and Medicine, Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital/DGIM, 111 Plain Street, 1st floor, Providence, RI, 02903, USA

    Christine Duffy

  2. Program in Public Health, Brown University, 121 S Main Street, 6th floor, Providence, RI, 02912, USA

    Susan M. Allen

  3. Department of Community Health, Centers for Behavioral and Preventative Medicine, Brown University, Coro West Suite 314, One Hoppin St, Providence, RI, 02901, USA

    Catherine Dube

  4. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Rm W5010, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA

    Kay Dickersin

Authors
  1. Christine Duffy
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  2. Susan M. Allen
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  3. Catherine Dube
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  4. Kay Dickersin
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Correspondence to Christine Duffy.

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Duffy, C., Allen, S.M., Dube, C. et al. Oncologists’ Confidence in Knowledge of Fertility Issues for Young Women with Cancer. J Canc Educ 27, 369–376 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-011-0304-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-011-0304-1

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