Pilot survey of oncologists regarding treatment related infertility and fertility preservation in female cancer patients.
OBJECTIVE To conduct a quantitative survey that focuses on oncologists' practice patterns and attitudes surrounding treatment related infertility and fertility preservation, specifically among women of reproductive age. STUDY DESIGN A 19 item survey was emailed to medical, pediatric, radiation and surgical oncologists at Duke University. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS Most oncologists (61% who responded always or usually discuss the impact treatment will have on fertility. Nearly half (45% never refer women to reproductive specialists. Respondents who attended an educational session on fertility preservation were more likely to consider a patient's desire for fertility when planning her treatment than those who did not attend (45% vs. 33% More than half (55% of attendees were willing to consider a less aggressive regimen to preserve fertility, compared with 29% of those who did not attend. CONCLUSION While most oncologists recognize the importance of discussing infertility risks, many do not discuss fertility preservation routinely. Reasons for this discrepancy included poor prognosis and emergent need to start therapy. Increasing awareness through educational events may influence current practice patterns and increase collaboration between reproductive endocrinologists and oncologists.
The Journal of reproductive medicine