Whereas sperm banking was viewed as a routine part of oncology care for men, few women were afforded the opportunity to discuss their fertility options at cancer diagnosis, according to the findings of a small study.
After receiving a diagnosis of cancer, 16 men and 18 women aged 17 to 49 years were interviewed soon after their first consultation with a cancer-focused health professional. Topics discussed included the patient’s perceptions and understanding of the diagnosis; prognosis and future reproductive choices; perceived quality and source of information received, communication, and support; and the roles of partners, family members, friends, and health care professionals.
In addition, 15 health care professionals were asked for their opinions on the information given to younger people with cancer, their knowledge and views of the treatments available with respect to fertility preservation, and their perceptions of patients’ priorities.
