Differentiating gender-based reproductive concerns among adolescent and young adult cancer patients: A mixed methods study

Chiu Yi Tan; Nina Francis-Levin; Daria Stelmak; Nicholas T Iannarino; Anao Zhang; Lindsey Herrel; Erin Ellman; Emily Walling; Molly B Moravek; Rashmi Chugh; Brad Zebrack

doi:10.1080/07347332.2023.2291798

Differentiating gender-based reproductive concerns among adolescent and young adult cancer patients: A mixed methods study

J Psychosoc Oncol. 2024 Jan 2:1-17. doi: 10.1080/07347332.2023.2291798. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Chiu Yi Tan¹, Nina Francis-Levin², Daria Stelmak³, Nicholas T Iannarino⁴, Anao Zhang⁵, Lindsey Herrel⁶, Erin Ellman⁷, Emily Walling⁸, Molly B Moravek^{6

9

10}, Rashmi Chugh⁷, Brad Zebrack⁵

Affiliations

¹ School of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
² Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
³ School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
⁴ Department of Language, Culture, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, Michigan, USA.
⁵ School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
⁶ Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
⁷ Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
⁸ Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
⁹ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
¹⁰ Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

PMID: 38164962
DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2023.2291798

Abstract

Introduction: Few studies have examined the distinct reproductive concerns (RC) of men and women in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patient population. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore and differentiate the RC of AYAs.

Methods: Participants completed the Reproductive Concerns After Cancer (RCAC) scale and participated in a semistructured interview. Interviews were deductively coded based on an analytic schema derived from the RCAC.

Results: After identifying participants through the electronic health record, 27 younger AYAs, ages 12-25, enrolled in the study. Four inductive themes emerged and differed by gender. These include differential temporality, acceptance, and openness to alternatives, partner influence, and parental/guardian influence. AYA men reported fewer RC (M = 49.4, SD = 9.6) compared to AYA women (M = 56.8, SD = 8.4).

Conclusions: Oncofertility care providers are advised to account for short- and long-ranging concerns based on AYAs' gender. Future evaluations of patient-reported outcome measures specific to AYA RC are recommended.

Keywords: adolescent and young adult; fertility preservation; gender differences; oncofertility; reproductive concerns.