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Journal of Cancer Survivorship
Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship 1/2021

01-02-2021 | Fertility

Facing the unknown: uncertain fertility in young adult survivors of childhood cancer

Authors: Kelly Newton, A. Fuchsia Howard, Sally Thorne, Mary T. Kelly, Karen Goddard

Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to describe the challenges young adult childhood cancer survivors (ACCS) experience of living with an unknown fertility status.

Methods

In this qualitative study, we analyzed data from in-depth interviews with 25 ACCS (15 females, 10 males) using content-driven inductive thematic analysis and constant comparative techniques.

Results

Three themes provide insight into ACCS’ experiences of living with an uncertain fertility status. (1) The marked psychological burden, which included fear, worry, anxiety, and sadness, was ubiquitous. (2) Romantic relationships were negatively affected and entailed fear of disappointing one’s partner, the difficulty of discussing fertility issues, and shying away from romantic relationships. (3) Communication challenges with healthcare providers were apparent across the cancer trajectory, made worse by provider knowledge gaps and dismissal of fertility concerns. (4) Well-known gender stereotypes about pregnancy and childrearing were replicated, while the emotional and life impacts that uncertain fertility could exert on males were minimized.

Conclusion

This study provides beginning insights into the experiences of young ACCS as they navigate an unknown fertility status and highlights existing gaps in fertility-related healthcare services.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Uncertain fertility has implications for survivors’ wellbeing that remain poorly addressed by the existing structure of cancer survivor and fertility services. Assessing and addressing the fertility-related needs of ACCS will continue to be a vital component of patient-centered care in the future, and research to develop comprehensive support, resources, and processes of care are vital to meet this priority need.
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Metadata
Title
Facing the unknown: uncertain fertility in young adult survivors of childhood cancer
Authors
Kelly Newton
A. Fuchsia Howard
Sally Thorne
Mary T. Kelly
Karen Goddard
Publication date
01-02-2021
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Cancer Survivorship / Issue 1/2021
Print ISSN: 1932-2259
Electronic ISSN: 1932-2267
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-020-00910-x

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