A NEW study highlights a concerning gap in fertility preservation (FP) discussions for patients with early-onset cancer (aged 18-49 years), revealing that about half of patients did not receive information about fertility preservation options before starting treatment. The research, part of the REACT (Reproductive Health After Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment) Study, surveyed 473 patients diagnosed with a first primary cancer between 2013 and 2021.
Fertility preservation is a critical concern for young cancer patients, as treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can impact reproductive health. Despite the widespread recognition of the need for healthcare professionals to discuss fertility options, the study found that only 50.7% of participants reported having such discussions before initiating cancer treatment. Notably, patients with thyroid, lung, ovarian, and colorectal cancers had the lowest rates of FP discussions, with only 3.6% of thyroid cancer patients and 21% of those with lung or colorectal cancers reporting these conversations.
The study’s findings underscore the need for improvements in patient-centred care. Fertility preservation discussions were more likely in patients with a history of pregnancy or those who were married, and the discussions varied significantly across different cancer types. The study suggests that factors like patient stress, lack of interest in having children, or the complexity of cancer care may contribute to the underreporting of these crucial conversations.
The researchers stress the importance of timely and clear communication about fertility preservation options, especially given the emotional and physical challenges faced by patients with early-onset cancer.
Reference
Keller SR et al. Patient-reported discussions on fertility preservation before early-onset cancer treatment. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(11):e2444540.
