The Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-Reported Behaviors of Oncology Physicians Regarding Fertility Preservation in Adult Cancer Patients

Abstract

There is a growing concern about the fertility preservation for adult cancer patients of reproductive age. Very little literature exists about fertility preservation of cancer survivors in Chinese text. This study is first to describe the knowledge level, attitude, and practice behaviors among physicians concerning fertility preservation in adult cancer patients in China. A cross-sectional survey with 30-item was conducted to assess Chinese oncology physicians' knowledge, attitude, and behaviors regarding fertility issues. Of 360 oncology physicians, 206 (57.2%) submitted valid questionnaires. With possible overall scores for knowledge and attitude of 9 and 15, respectively, physicians' responses to the questionnaires were 3.91 ± 1.67 and 12.29 ± 1.23. Only 49.5% of physicians routinely informed their cancer patients of childbearing age about the risk of infertility with cancer treatment. The knowledge score of the men physicians was 2-fold that of the women. Physicians aged 20-29 years were significantly more likely than other age groups to prioritize cancer treatment over fertility concerns. Men physicians were significantly more comfortable than the women discussing fertility preservation issues and cooperating with fertility specialists. The oncology physicians in China had limited knowledge of fertility preservation and rarely discussed these issues with their patients, although their attitude was positive. Results suggest that oncology physicians would welcome an in-house fertility-related training program. Key Messages This is the first study to address the topic of fertility preservation as it relates to the care that oncologists provide to cancer patients in China. These results revealed the importance of providing fertility-related training program to oncology physicians. Moreover, this study should provide useful information for other Asian countries, and highlight both the similarities and differences between Capsule Chinese oncology physicians had unsatisfactory knowledge and practice behaviors, while they held a positive attitude toward fertility preservation for cancer patients. Some training programs and a guideline are necessary in China.

The Educational Program for Healthcare Providers Regarding Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients: a Systematic Review

“…Several relative factors were found to hinder the discussion of FP for clinicians such as lack of knowledge, cultural and religious limitations, feeling uncomfortable, and lack of communication skills [39][40][41]. However, although all programs in this review provided FP-related knowledge for healthcare providers, communication strategies and psychosocial support were only taught in two programs, and FP-related ethical and legal issues were only mentioned in one program.…”

Importance and safety of autologous sperm cryopreservation for fertility preservation in young male patients with cancer

“…According to another series of studies by our research team, as can be seen from a survey of 332 cancer patients, [15] 77.8% of patients realized that tumors and their treatment would damage fertility, 27.7% of patients worried that tumors would affect the DNA of offspring, but 71.1% of patients still do not know the existence of sperm banks. Additionally, the knowledge of FP by medical staff was also limited.…”

Current awareness and attitude toward fertility preservation in Indonesia: A nationwide survey among health-care providers

“…[ 6 ] However, one study in China showed that most of oncologists never informed their patients about FP and only a few know correct methods and institutions for FP. [ 7 8 ] In Indonesia, FP options have been recently considered by reproductive HCPs; however, there have been no surveys addressing specialists' awareness and attitudes toward FP for cancer patients. This research is the first study in Indonesia that reports the findings of a nationwide survey of Indonesian specialists and other HCPs regarding their awareness and attitudes toward FP in cancer patients.…”