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Supportive Care in Cancer

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01-02-2021 | Fertility | Original Article

Higher reproductive concerns associated with fertility consultation: a cross-sectional study of young adult male cancer survivors

Authors: Julia H. Drizin, Brian W. Whitcomb, Tung-Chin Hsieh, Jessica R. Gorman

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 2/2021

Abstract

Purpose

This study examined associations between fertility consultation (FC) and multiple dimensions of reproductive concerns among young adult (YA) male cancer survivors.

Methods

One hundred and seventy YA male cancer survivors (age 18 to 35) across the USA completed an online survey between 2016 and 2018. Participants reported demographics, receipt of FC, and reproductive concerns. Reproductive concerns were measured multidimensionally using the Reproductive Concerns after Cancer-Male scale. We used log binomial regression to examine associations between FC and high reproductive concerns across multiple domains.

Results

In multivariate analyses adjusting for desire for children, FC was associated with higher likelihood of having at least one high reproductive concern (relative risk [RR] 1.4, 95% CI 1.2–1.7). Across subscales, FC was associated with greater likelihood of having high concerns about fertility potential (RR 1.7, 95% CI 1.0–3.0), achieving pregnancy (RR 3.5, 95% CI 1.3–9.5), their (potential) child’s health (RR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.2), and disclosing infertility to a partner (RR 2.7, 95% CI 1.8–4.1). In contrast, associations were not observed between FC and likelihood of high concerns about personal health (RR 1.4, 95% CI 0.5–3.8) or acceptance of infertility (RR 1.8, 95% CI 0.8–3.9).

Conclusions

YA male cancer survivors who received FC were more likely to have high reproductive concerns than those who did not receive FC. Men who seek out FC after cancer diagnosis may need additional support for their reproductive concerns. Research is needed to identify strategies to alleviate these concerns among this population.

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Title: Higher reproductive concerns associated with fertility consultation: a cross-sectional study of young adult male cancer survivors
Authors: Julia H. Drizin
Brian W. Whitcomb
Tung-Chin Hsieh
Jessica R. Gorman
Publication date: 01-02-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Fertility
Infertility
Infertility
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 2/2021
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-020-05527-5

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Abstract

Purpose

Methods

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Conclusions

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