Adequate information on fertility preservation may not be offered to many women prior to breast cancer treatment, according to research presented at the 2011 National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Cancer Conference.
A survey of more than 300 breast cancer surgeons, nurses, and cancer doctors was conducted by researchers at The Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust to determine which factors impacted whether medical care providers discussed fertility preservation with their patients.
Survey results showed less than 40% of participating providers reported that the personal situation of a patient (whether they had children or a partner) influenced the decision to discuss fertility preservation.
According to previous research, only 50% of women under age 40 diagnosed with breast cancer feel they satisfactorily discussed fertility preservation options prior to treatment.
Due to the fact that breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women of reproductive age, patients may not have completed their families when they are diagnosed with breast cancer. Furthermore, patients often have concerns that fertility preservation might hinder or change the effectiveness of cancer treatment. Another important topic for these women is fertility after cancer treatment.
Dr Judy King, report author and cancer specialist at the Royal Free Hospital, said, “This important survey reveals wide variation in the knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare professionals managing young women with breast cancer. This may mean there is a lack of standard information being given to patients, and that referral to a fertility specialist is not always being offered. Each breast cancer multidisciplinary team should have a Fertility Lead responsible for identifying patients who are suitable for referral to a fertility specialist. There should be a clear, prompt referral pathway for such patients, to allow time for fertility preservation without the need to delay the start of chemotherapy.”
Source: NCRI.