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Fertility and cancer—a qualitative study of Australian cancer survivors

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to assess the fertility concerns among cancer survivors aged 50 and under as part of a larger study investigating the survivors’ concerns regarding fertility, sexuality and parenting.

Methods

Cancer survivors who were at least 1 month post-treatment were invited to a recorded interview. The patients were identified from an oncology database and invited to participate via letter or during clinic consultation. The participants were recruited until saturation of themes was achieved. Transcripts were coded thematically, with greater emphasis given to frequently raised themes.

Results

Twenty-five survivors (19 women) were interviewed. The median age was 37 (range 24–50). Median time since completion of treatment was 7 months. Twenty were married or in a relationship; 18 had children at the time of diagnosis. Two became pregnant after treatment. Four themes were identified: (1) Fertility represents more than child-bearing capacity: potential fertility loss was a concern for participants, irrespective of their desire for future children; (2) Assumed infertility: There was a tendency for participants to assume that they were infertile; (3) Lack of information regarding decision-making and fertility: The respondents reported a perceived lack of consideration of fertility at diagnosis by medical professionals, and this impacted upon the decision-making process; and (4) Participant recommendations: The respondents wanted more information and for support services to be offered.

Conclusions

Fertility is an important concern for young cancer survivors. There is a need for strategies regarding information provision and support for cancer patients with regard to these concerns.

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Conflicts of interest

The authors do not have a financial relationship with the organisation that sponsored this research. The authors have full control of all primary data and agree to allow the journal to review the data if requested.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia

    Rebecca Penrose, Lisa Beatty & Julie Mattiske

  2. Department of Medical Oncology, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia

    Bogda Koczwara

Authors
  1. Rebecca Penrose
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  2. Lisa Beatty
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  3. Julie Mattiske
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  4. Bogda Koczwara
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bogda Koczwara.

Appendix 1. Study questions

Appendix 1. Study questions

  1. 1.

    Tell me about your cancer journey.

  2. 2.

    Tell me about you and your family—partner, children, extended family (who do you see as your family), and how your cancer has impacted upon you and them.

  3. 3.

    What were your expectations regarding parenthood before and after cancer?

  4. 4.

    What are your perceptions of the impact of cancer and cancer treatment on fertility and sexuality?

  5. 5.

    What are your perceptions of the impact of cancer and cancer treatment on current and future parenthood?

  6. 6.

    Do you have concerns regarding fertility and sexuality? If so, can you describe these?

  7. 7.

    What impact have these issues (regarding fertility and sexuality) had on your quality of life?

  8. 8.

    What supports and resources relating to sexuality and fertility have assisted you in the past?

  9. 9.

    What supports and resources related to fertility and sexuality would you have liked to have access to? What about your partner (if applicable)?

  10. 10.

    Would you find it helpful to access resources about fertility, sexuality and parenthood online? Such as a Web-based interactive programme? Why/why not?

  11. 11.

    Do you have any other insights or comments about this area that you think is important for me to know? If so, what are they?

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Penrose, R., Beatty, L., Mattiske, J. et al. Fertility and cancer—a qualitative study of Australian cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer 20, 1259–1265 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-011-1212-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-011-1212-y

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