Developing a post-treatment survivorship care plan to help breast cancer survivors understand their fertility

Abstract

BCS have concerns and needs related to their fertility potential after initial breast cancer treatment. The evidence-based information offered in our prototype survivorship care plan was acceptable to BCS and has significant potential to address these needs. Additional primary data that identify post-cancer treatment indicators of fertility would advance this effort.

Design of a randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of a reproductive health survivorship care plan in young breast cancer survivors

“…The unmet gap in reproductive health care is supported by our observation that the majority of YBCS who screened for eligibility had at least one reproductive health issue. A considerable body of research and professional society guidelines on assessing and managing these reproductive health issues has been generated, but lacks broader dissemination [23][24][25].…”

“…The panel was comprised of 2 YBCS advocates and 6 investigators with clinical and research expertise in reproductive health, primary care, breast oncology, health behavior and randomized trials. To develop the intervention, we conducted systematic reviews and searched professional medical society guidelines for evidence on managing hot flashes and sexual health, addressing contraception needs and predicting fertility potential [23][24][25]. Supplemented by clinical expertise and review of existing webbased resources from professional medical societies and cancer advocacy groups, these evidence-and guideline-based practices were summarized into the SCP-R prototype.…”

“…Seven focus groups with 37 YBCS were conducted to refine the content and presentation of the SCP-R [26]. For the intervention arm, we initially planned to provide each participant with only the SCP-R sections relevant to her specific reproductive issue(s).…”

Oncofertility

“…As researchers and clinical providers who work with AYA survivors, we have observed that the occurrence of infertility as well as uncertainty around reproductive risks result in distress, depression, and poorer quality of life in this population. 4,8,127–130 Meeting the fertility goals of this population requires not only sound epidemiologic research to estimate risks of traditional and novel cancer therapies on fertility and pregnancy outcomes, but also better dissemination and implementation strategies to improve the delivery of fertility care.…”

On Becoming a Mother After Cancer Survival: A Comprehensive Literature Review

“…With the recent voluntary deferral of procreation, especially seen in Western societies, many women, at the time of diagnosis, have yet to initiate family or have not yet completed their family wishes. although surrogacy and adoption can be an option, many women voice a preference for biological parenting [8].…”