Oncofertility awareness among primary care physicians in India

F1000Res. 2023 Sep 28:12:153. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.126232.1. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Background: Primary care physicians not only coordinate referrals to oncology services but can play a crucial role in successful fertility preservation referrals in cancer-diagnosed patients. Hence, it is important to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards fertility preservation.

Methods: An eighteen-item oncofertility survey was administered to primary care physicians between May 2019 to September 2020. Results: A total of forty-six responses were received and analysed. About 60% of primary care physicians did not have adequate knowledge about available fertility preservation options and only 26-32% were aware of international guidelines recommending fertility preservation in cancer patients. Conclusions: Imparting awareness and knowledge of fertility preservation and its options to primary care physicians could enable an integrated cancer care model while also facilitating successful oncofertility referrals in countries like India.

Keywords: Fertility preservation; general physicians; oncofertility; paediatricians; primary care physicians.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attitude
  • Fertility Preservation*
  • Humans
  • India
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Physicians, Primary Care*

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR # 5/10/FR/10/2014-RCH).