Decision-making about fertility preservation-qualitative data on young cancer patients' attitudes and needs

Arch Womens Ment Health. 2016 Aug;19(4):695-9. doi: 10.1007/s00737-016-0604-x. Epub 2016 Jan 22.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to get deeper insight into the significance of fertility in cancer patients, their attitude towards fertility preservation (FP), decisional conflicts, and patient's needs in the decision-making process. Focus groups with 12 female cancer survivors were held and revealed that the significance of fertility was high and attitude towards FP positive. Religious and ethical reservations were not negligible. Standardized decision aids were considered helpful. More support is highly in demand and specific tools would be beneficial.

Keywords: Decision-making; Female cancer survivors; Fertility preservation; Focus group.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude
  • Cancer Survivors / psychology*
  • Decision Making*
  • Female
  • Fertility Preservation* / ethics
  • Focus Groups
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms*
  • Young Adult