Strategies for fertility preservation after chemotherapy: awareness among Irish cancer specialists

The potential effect on fertility for patients undergoing cancer treatments is an important issue. The aim of this study was to assess awareness of fertility preservation strategies among cancer specialists involved in the management of young women with malignancy. A 10 question survey was sent to 9...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Irish medical journal 2011-01, Vol.104 (1), p.6-9
Main Authors: Collins, I M, Fay, L, Kennedy, M J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Breast Neoplasms - drug therapy
Female
Fertility - drug effects
Hematologic Neoplasms - drug therapy
Humans
Ireland
Medical Oncology
Oocyte Retrieval
Ovulation Induction
Practice Patterns, Physicians
Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
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Summary:The potential effect on fertility for patients undergoing cancer treatments is an important issue. The aim of this study was to assess awareness of fertility preservation strategies among cancer specialists involved in the management of young women with malignancy. A 10 question survey was sent to 94 cancer specialists in Ireland, comprising 28 medical oncologists, 32 haematologists and 34 breast surgeons, assessing awareness of; guidelines, facilities in Ireland, and potential barriers to referral. Fifty of 94 responded (53% response rate). Awareness of current success rates associated with assisted reproductive therapy was poor. Ten respondents (20%) identified the estimated time delay to the delivery of chemotherapy due to fertility preservation. Three important potential barriers to referral were identified; time delays, poor prognosis disease and clinical features of the cancer. Awareness of the impact of reduced fertility is important in these patients but early consideration is vital.
ISSN:0332-3102