Toward an Understanding of the Factors Associated With Reproductive Concerns in Younger Female Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background Cancer treatments may compromise fertility and family building in reproductive-age women. Previous research has shown that younger women with cancer experienced several reproductive health concerns. Objective The aim of this study was to conduct a focused review of existing research about the subjective perceptions of reproductive concerns among young women with cancer (aged 15-49 years) and identify their potential predictors and outcomes. Methods A systematic synthesis of mixed-methods research was conducted including peer-reviewed articles in English. Relevant studies were identified through the electronic databases Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, and Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection (through EBSCOhost). Results A total of 22 reports met the eligibility criteria (8 qualitative and 14 quantitative). Research showed that younger women reported concerns related to their fertility status and/or own health after conception, their children’s health, and their dyadic relationships. Redefinition of the motherhood role and the family future were also a source of concern. However, there is variance among women in concerns and experiences based on life stages and expectations. Conclusions Reproductive concerns seem to be affected by personal circumstances and previous therapeutics. These concerns constitute a potential risk factor, simultaneously, for psychosocial maladjustment and adherence to endocrine therapy and fertility care. Implications for Practice This article proposes a conceptual framework to understand the dimensions and potential predictors and outcomes of perceived concerns among reproductive-age cancer patients. Our data allow us to look at these concerns from a multifactorial perspective, identifying areas to be addressed in providing clinical care, namely, by nurses accompanying patients over an extended period.

Psychometric Properties of the Fertility Intention Scale among Patients with Breast Cancer of Childbearing Age in Mainland China

“… 22 , 24 The genetic risk factor of cancer was also a concern among patients with breast cancer as the disease and treatment would not only affect their health but also the health of their children. 43 , 44 Therefore, patients with reproductive concerns had a weaker fertility intention. Overall, the convergent validity of the FIS is not satisfactory and further revision and validation are required in the future.…”

Associations of Reproductive Health Concerns, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Stress Among Adolescents and Young Adults with Chronic Illness

“…A study of female patients aged 15-49 years with breast cancer links reported RHC to symptoms of depression and quality of life. 24 In this study, we examine RHC of AYA living with a variety of chronic conditions at earlier stages of their reproductive lives and find associations between RHC and health-related stress and anxiety. What we cannot determine is how elevated RHC and associated health-related stress and anxiety might also be related to risk-taking and decision-making that might impair healthy sexual functioning and reproductive health planning.…”

“…However, the mean age of the sample was 36 years, limiting our understanding of the relationship of RHC and mental health and HRQoL among AYA who are in the formative stages of contemplating their reproductive futures. 24 The authors' systematic review of RHC studies among women aged 16 to 49 years who have survived breast cancer suggests that RHC in the early stages of survivors' reproductive lives differ from older women. As we are now seeing that AYA with chronic health conditions are as sexually active and as interested as their healthy peers in starting a family, it is important to explore their concerns and stressors as they begin considering having and raising children and understand how these concerns may be associated with HRQoL and stress.…”

Factors associated with reproductive concerns among young female patients with colorectal cancer: A cross‐sectional study

“…Reproductive concerns among cancer patients are influenced by many factors including personal circumstances and previous treatments (Bártolo et al, 2021). Patients' satisfaction with the extent to which their need for fertility‐related information is met is also thought to be closely related to their degree of reproductive concern.…”