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Published in:

01-06-2012

Oncologists’ Confidence in Knowledge of Fertility Issues for Young Women with Cancer

Authors: Christine Duffy, Susan M. Allen, Catherine Dube, Kay Dickersin

Published in: Journal of Cancer Education | Issue 2/2012

Abstract

We sought to identify factors associated with greater cancer-related fertility knowledge in a national survey of oncologists. We surveyed 344 oncologists from a sampling pool drawn randomly from the AMA Masterfile. We conducted multiple linear regression to determine the relationship between confidence in knowledge and oncologists’ characteristics. Respondents’ average age was 48.5, and 75.3% were male. The average confidence in knowledge summary score was 23.8 (SD 6.4, range 8–40). In multivariable regression, confidence was higher among oncologists with more information resources, a sense of responsibility to discuss fertility issues and among gynecologic oncologists vs. other oncology specialties. Physician age, gender, and practice setting were not associated with fertility-related knowledge. Oncologists lack confidence in their knowledge of fertility issues in young women with breast cancer. Increasing professional responsibility to discuss fertility and greater information access could improve the depth and breadth of education regarding fertility issues among oncologists and their young patients.

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Title: Oncologists’ Confidence in Knowledge of Fertility Issues for Young Women with Cancer
Authors: Christine Duffy
Susan M. Allen
Catherine Dube
Kay Dickersin
Publication date: 01-06-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Journal of Cancer Education / Issue 2/2012
Print ISSN: 0885-8195
Electronic ISSN: 1543-0154
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-011-0304-1

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