Women are being denied information on the risk of impaired fertility after cancer treatment, researchers say today.
Valerie Peddie and colleagues at Aberdeen University, UK, and NHS Grampian interviewed 16 men and 18 women aged 17 to 49 years, recently diagnosed with blood-related and other cancers. In addition, 15 health professionals were interviewed.
Almost all of the patients had been given written information with a small section on fertility preservation, but men and women received different information. This was because of factors such as the varying options available, perceived success rates, and subsequent delay in accessing cancer treatment.
The researchers say that nearly all the men were actively encouraged to consider sperm banking, even if they already had children. Local protocols were nearly always in place.
But few women could remember being told about fertility preservation, and protocols were not in place. Staff interviews revealed that the main reason was a feeling that treatment was more urgent. Concerns about an overload of information also prevented the discussion taking place.
Ms Peddie said: "It has been widely argued that at the time of diagnosis, patients should be provided with accurate information about the potential risk of impaired fertility after treatment for cancer irrespective of whether local facilities for gamete cryopreservation exist.
"However in reality, the immediate emphasis is often on treatment, with little time available to discuss future fertility or options for fertility preservation. Our study has demonstrated significant gaps in the information provided to young women diagnosed with cancer and suggests the need for an early appointment with a fertility expert."
The study is published today (May 30) in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Factors affecting decision making about fertility preservation after cancer diagnosis: a qualitative study. Peddie, V. et al. BJOG May 30 2012 doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2012.03368.x.
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