TY - JOUR
T1 - What to do now? How women with breast cancer make fertility preservation decisions
AU - Snyder, Karrie Ann
AU - Tate, Alexandra Lee
PY - 2013/7
Y1 - 2013/7
N2 - Objectives There has been increased attention paid to cancer-related infertility and fertility preservation. However, how cancer patients decide whether or not to pursue fertility preservation has not been fully examined. Methods The data come from 34 interviews with women in the USA diagnosed with breast cancer prior to 40 years of age who contemplated fertility preservation prior to cancer treatment. Fully transcribed interviews were coded through a three-staged inductive process. Results Three sets of factors that shaped the decision-making process of the respondents regarding fertility preservation treatment options were identified: perceived benefits (e.g. ability to use 'younger' eggs in the future), inhibiting concerns (e.g. success rates) and influential relationships (e.g. physicians, parents and partners). Conclusions Respondents saw their main fertility preservation decision as choosing whether or not to pursue egg/embryo banking. The decision-making process was complicated and included both health-related and personal considerations, with many respondents reporting a lack of support services for fertility issues. Findings suggest that greater attention needs to be placed on presenting patients with a wider range of options. Those who counsel patients regarding fertility preservation decisions should be aware of the influence of relationship dynamics, broader health care concerns, and fertility histories on these decisions.
AB - Objectives There has been increased attention paid to cancer-related infertility and fertility preservation. However, how cancer patients decide whether or not to pursue fertility preservation has not been fully examined. Methods The data come from 34 interviews with women in the USA diagnosed with breast cancer prior to 40 years of age who contemplated fertility preservation prior to cancer treatment. Fully transcribed interviews were coded through a three-staged inductive process. Results Three sets of factors that shaped the decision-making process of the respondents regarding fertility preservation treatment options were identified: perceived benefits (e.g. ability to use 'younger' eggs in the future), inhibiting concerns (e.g. success rates) and influential relationships (e.g. physicians, parents and partners). Conclusions Respondents saw their main fertility preservation decision as choosing whether or not to pursue egg/embryo banking. The decision-making process was complicated and included both health-related and personal considerations, with many respondents reporting a lack of support services for fertility issues. Findings suggest that greater attention needs to be placed on presenting patients with a wider range of options. Those who counsel patients regarding fertility preservation decisions should be aware of the influence of relationship dynamics, broader health care concerns, and fertility histories on these decisions.
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U2 - 10.1136/jfprhc-2011-100286
DO - 10.1136/jfprhc-2011-100286
M3 - Article
C2 - 23363470
AN - SCOPUS:84879364328
VL - 39
SP - 172
EP - 178
JO - BMJ Sexual and Reproductive Health
JF - BMJ Sexual and Reproductive Health
SN - 2515-1991
IS - 3
ER -