PurposeOncofertility focuses on providing fertility and endocrine-sparing options to
patients who undergo life-preserving but gonadotoxic cancer treatment. The
resources needed to meet patient demand often are fragmented along
disciplinary lines. We quantify assets and gaps in oncofertility care on a
global scale.MethodsSurvey-based questionnaires were provided to 191 members of the Oncofertility
Consortium Global Partners Network, a National Institutes of
Health–funded organization. Responses were analyzed to measure trends
and regional subtleties about patient oncofertility experiences and to
analyze barriers to care at sites that provide oncofertility services.ResultsSixty-three responses were received (response rate, 25%), and 40 were
analyzed from oncofertility centers in 28 countries. Thirty of 40 survey
results (75%) showed that formal referral processes and psychological care
are provided to patients at the majority of sites. Fourteen of 23
respondents (61%) stated that some fertility preservation services are not
offered because of cultural and legal barriers. The growth of oncofertility
and its capacity to improve the lives of cancer survivors around the globe
relies on concentrated efforts to increase awareness, promote collaboration,
share best practices, and advocate for research funding.ConclusionThis survey reveals global and regional successes and challenges and provides
insight into what is needed to advance the field and make the discussion of
fertility preservation and endocrine health a standard component of the
cancer treatment plan. As the field of oncofertility continues to develop
around the globe, regular assessment of both international and regional
barriers to quality care must continue to guide process improvements.
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